John Curran came to this area in 1859 and established a Trading Post where the Pelican River flows into the Wisconsin River. (Current site of Friendly Village Nursing Home).  When Anderson Brown first visited the area in 1872, he stayed at the Trading Post.  Curran is known as the first white settler in this area.  His Daughter Julia was the first white child born here.  Lake Julia, where Nicolet College is located, is named for her.