Join us for a free presentation on how railroads influenced Manitowish Waters at Koller Library or on ZOOM.  Along the bank of the Manitowish River, on June 21, 1933 the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) established 660th Company S-79 or Camp Mercer. Explore our CCC camp’s significant impact on the town of Manitowish Waters and the surrounding area. 660th  These men fought the brutal Powell Marsh fire, protecting lives and property. Camp Mercer was also an administrative camp, overseeing 12 other CCC camps from Washburn to Eagle River.

The contributions of these men helped define our region by protecting and preserving Northwoods’ natural resources. The imprint that these men made on the land cannot be over emphasized. Through their diligence, the Northwoods was transformed from a cutover, fire ravaged landscape into a forest again, with numerous improvements for generations of people looking to experience the great outdoors.

Newly discovered images, maps, and government documents will be shared to illustrate the evolution and impact of Camp Mercer.