[2] The settlement of Neillsville began when James O'Neill and his companions cut a road up through the forest from Black River Falls in June 1845.

They built a sawmill on the bank of O'Neill Creek and began cutting pine and floating it downstream to their mill.

The first brick structure in town (and in Clark County) was built in 1872, and is in the district - the Hewett and Woods General Store at 502 Hewett Street - the blue building on the left in the photo.

[2] Though it is early and simple, its style shows some Italianate influence.

It has simple Commercial Italianate details and a coal chute on the front.