[3] The 6-by-6-mile (10 by 10 km) squares that became the Town of Halley were first surveyed in the fall of 1848 by crews working for the U.S. government.

In August and September 1849 another crew marked all the section corners, walking the woods and swamps on foot, measuring with chain and compass.

[5][6] When done, the deputy surveyor filed this general description of the six mile square which includes eastern Halley and the early town of Chippewa Falls: The Surface of this Township is rolling.

In the South East part of the Township is a well-timbered tract of land The most valuable kinds of timber are White & Bur(?)

The Falls of Chippewa River in This Township are a Succession of rapids over which the Lumbermen raft in safety Lumber Hewed timber and shingles The River falls about 25 feet in 3/4 of a mile, making an excellent water power which is improved by James Allen and Company.

There is one Store, one Tavern, and one Blacksmith Shop and several dwelling houses at the Falls all situated on the West half of the S.W.

It is bordered to the north and west by the village of Lake Hallie, formerly part of the town.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town in 2010 had a total area of 7.5 square miles (19.3 km2), all of it land.