Was named from the famous Greek battlefield.

Description from John W. Hunt's 1853 Wisconsin Gazetteer: "MARATHON, County, is bounded on the north and northeast by the State line, east by Waupaca and Oconto, south by Portage, and on the west by Chippewa and La Pointe. It was established from Portage, and fully organized February 9, 1850. Wausan, at Big Bull Falls on the Wisconsin river, about 20 miles north from the south line of the county, is the seat of justice. It is celebrated for its extensive regions of pine timber, and the production of pine lumber, rather than for agricultural pursuits. The mills in Adams, Portage, and Marathon, cut nearly sixty millions feet per annum. ¿"

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[Source: Gannett, Place Names, p. 171Card file at the WHS library reference desk.]