Father Menard Monument

This monument was built by the Merrill Council 1133 of the Knights of Columbus in 1923 in honor of Pere Rene Menard, a French priest who was one of the first Europeans to walk and explore the wild land, now known as Wisconsin. His final trek is still somewhat of a mystery, but some Merrill historians believe Father Menard's life ended just north of Merrill. The monument states what is believed to be his last journey. "Sailed to Quebec in March 1640, lost hearabouts July 1661, while enroute to Huron Village to baptize Indian refugees."