Fennimore in Grant County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The "Dinky"
The "Dinky" was noted for its versatility, carrying farmers, fishermen, salesmen and school children, as well as the U.S. mail, milk, livestock, and other freight. The narrow gauge line was a remnant of a larger, 92-mile system in southwestern Wisconsin purchased by the Chicago and Northwestern in 1880. All except the Fennimore-Woodman line were converted in 1882 to standard (4-feet, 8 ½-inches) gauge.
Narrow gauge tracks once were scattered across the country, as railroad builders looked for economy in construction and equipment costs to reach remote areas. At the peak of narrow gauge operations, the state had 150 miles, some used in logging operations in northern Wisconsin, now all abandoned.
Erected 1989 by Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 286.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.
Location. 42° 59.177′ N, 90° 39.345′ W. Marker is in Fennimore, Wisconsin, in Grant County. Marker is on Lincoln Avenue (U.S. 18) 0 miles south of 6th Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located at the Fennimore Railroad Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 610 Lincoln Ave, Fennimore WI 53809, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Gideons (approx. 9˝ miles away); The First Civil War Monument (approx. 10 miles away); Nelson Dewey (approx. 10.1 miles away); Old Rock Church (approx. 11.1 miles away); Crossing the River (approx. 11.7 miles away); Boscobel - A River Town (approx. 11.7 miles away); The River (approx. 11.7 miles away); Trade Links – River Borne (approx. 11.7 miles away).
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 23, 2009, by Gordon Govier of Fitchburg, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,789 times since then and 73 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 23, 2009, by Gordon Govier of Fitchburg, Wisconsin. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.