Nathaniel W. Dean (September 17, 1817 – February 28, 1880) was an American merchant, real estate speculator, and Wisconsin pioneer.

He lost everything in a fire in 1842, however, and moved west across Lake Michigan into the Wisconsin Territory, and went to work as a clerk for his cousin Dr. Weston in the village of Madison.

Nathaniel Dean continued operating as a successful merchant until 1857, when he retired from this role to focus on his other business pursuits and real estate holdings.

He continuously added to his real estate holdings throughout his life, with lands across the state of Wisconsin, and extending as far away as Kansas.

[1]: 751, 765, 815  In his later years, he was also a founding shareholder in the Park Savings Bank in Madison, and served on the board of directors.

[4] His former home, now known as the Nathaniel W. Dean House, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a museum.