Crossing the River
With the growth of Boscobel as a shipping point for products from the region, a dependable crossing of the river became an economic necessity. The city was incorporated in 1864 so it could issue bonds for the construction of a bridge.
In 1871, the Wisconsin legislature authorized the city of Boscobel to bridge the Wisconsin River and to collect tolls. Between 1874 and 1875 a timber and iron bridge measuring 700 feet was constructed, at a cost of about $26,000. Sometime after its completion portions of the bridge was covered.
In 1935 the Wisconsin Legislature set aside funds to construct a new bridge at Boscobel. With the change to automobile travel, the old bridge was outdated and no longer safe. The State Highway Commission prepared the plans for a 1209-foot long bridge. It consisted of seven Parker overhead truss spans and a simple concrete girder at the north end.
Marker can be reached from Elm Street (U.S. 61) 0.3 miles south of State Highway 60, on the left when traveling north.
Courtesy hmdb.org
