Near Norwalk in Monroe County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Back Breaking Work
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 19, 2012
1. Back Breaking Work Marker
Boom! Dynamite blasts echoed throughout this valley as workers excavated the tunnels. They used hand tools, horses, mules and oxen to remove the freed rock. All tunnels were dug from both ends, but this tunnel was so long that workers also dug two long, deep shafts from above to help remove rock. These shafts were later sealed with bricks.
This tunnel was slow and labor intensive to build. Workers struck an overhead spring which kept the tunnel wet and difficult to excavate. Today, the ceilings and walls still drip with water and provide cool relief on a hot day.
Tunnel No. 3 Trivia
• 3,810 feet long
• Cost $247,272 to build or $65 per foot
• Completed in 1873 after 3 years
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.
Location. 43° 51.812′ N, 90° 40.439′ W. Marker is near Norwalk, Wisconsin, in Monroe County. Marker can be reached from Kenya Avenue, 0.3 miles east of Wisconsin Route 71. Marker is located on the Elroy-Sparta State Trail (rail trail), on the east side of Tunnel #3, about 4 miles northwest of the trailhead at Main Street & Railroad Street in Norwalk. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Norwalk WI 54648, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Elroy-Sparta State Trail. Three railroad tunnels highlight the trail which are each over 140 years old. The tunnel between Norwalk and Sparta is 0.75 miles long. Flashlights and jackets are recommended in the tunnels. The tunnels are dark and cool, even on the brightest days and water from springs above the tunnels can trickle onto the trail. Bikers should walk bikes through the tunnels. (Submitted on July 7, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Elroy-Sparta State Trail. Wikipedia entry:
The original railway was constructed from Madison, Wisconsin to Winona, Minnesota, starting in 1870, by a predecessor of the Chicago and North Western Railway, the Baraboo Air Line Railroad Company. The ridges between Elroy and Sparta were tunneled at great expense and with much difficulty. (Submitted on July 7, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 19, 2012
2. Back Breaking Work Marker
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 19, 2012
3. Tunnel No. 3 — west portal
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 19, 2012
4. Tunnel No. 3 — east portal
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 19, 2012
5. "1873" inscription over Tunnel No. 3 east portal
Credits. This page was last revised on August 2, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 7, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 156 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on August 1, 2022, by Jim Schaettle of Madison, Wisconsin. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 7, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
