R.R. Bridge
A Little History...
In pioneer times, private boats and commercial ferries were used
to cross the waters of Sturgeon Bay. In 1887, the crossing became
considerable easier when John D. Leathem and Thomas H. Smith
completed a toll bridge consisting of a wooden plank road on a
timber pine trestle and a center pivoting truss bridge to allow for
boat passage. Tolls charged for crossing the bridge included
“75¢ for threshing outfits,” “25¢ for team and
rider” and “5¢ per head for foot passengers.”
In 1891, the Ahnapee and Western (A & W) Railway received
grants totaling $76,000 from the City and County to construct a
line to Sturgeon Bay, A rail crossing was completed in 1894 by
attaching tracks to the toll bridge and constructing a new western
rail approach.
The city purchased the toll bridge from Leathem and Smith in
1911 and operated it until 1931, when the present Michigan Street
Bridge was built to accommodate the increased automobile traffic.
The rail portion of the toll bridge was turned over to the A &
W, which in 1946 reinforced the deteriorating western approach with
earth and rock fill, creating the present embankment extending into
the bay.
In 1968, the rail line was abandoned, and the old truss bridge
and remaining trestle, a serious hazard to navigation, were removed
in 1973. The earthen embankment lay dormant until 1987 when a grant
from the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program enabled the city to
improve the embankment for public enjoyment.
A Little About the cache...
This can be a high-traffic area, so please use a little
discretion if people are noticing your activities. The cache is a
little smaller than an ammo box, but larger than a mini. Please
make sure you hide it well. Thanks!
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