The town of Blackwell once had 800-1,000 residents. They worked for the Flanner family in the hardwood mill. The Flanner home was one of the finest in northern Wisconsin. The living room and dining room were paneled in walnut, and had Birdseye flooring, and several fieldstone fireplaces. The Flanner Company went bankrupt during the Great Depression. This home is still standing and is now used as a nursing home.

Today Blackwell is home also to the Blackwell Civilian Conservation Job Corps Center. The center has operated as a job training center for youth ages 16-21 to provide them with meaningful work experience, job training, and to provide community service. The center is a vital part of the local economy it employs over 90 people and operates with an annual budget, which exceeds $3.5 million.