Eau Claire in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
City of Bridges
Photographed By William J. Toman, June 11, 2011
1. City of Bridges Marker
Inscription.
City of Bridges. . In the mid-19th century, the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers brought people to the confluence but also kept them apart. As settlers arrived, three villages developed where the rivers met. Newcomers had to choose the riverbank where they would live and do business. In 1869, the first permanent bridge crossed the Chippewa, linking two of the villages at what later became Grand Avenue., Frequent fires and floods in the "sawdust city" days often damaged bridges. The 1884 flood took out five. Bridge technology was limited, too. Fearing damage to local bridges, the City of Eau Claire threatened a fine for driving a horse across a bridge "at more than a walk.", Eau Claire's bridges have been built and rebuilt. In 1899, Minnie McDonough christened a third Grand Avenue bridge. Floods had destroyed its predecessors., In time, Eau Claire's bridges not only helped citizens cross the waters; they also unified the original villages into one city.,
...the east and west sides ran neck and neck with the keenest rivalry between them, both business and otherwise. ...if an east side boy went over on the west side he stood a good chance of getting a thrashing and if a west side boy went to the east side the courtesy would be returned., William Bartlett, Chippewa Valley Historical Society Meeting, 1926, Honoring Our Parents Louis and Miriam Arnold, Bridge Builders. , [Caption on photograph:]This photograph was taken just north of this spot in 1882. Built in 1880, the bridge passed its 125th anniversary in 2005. Wisconsin Historical Society collections.
In the mid-19th century, the Chippewa and Eau Claire Rivers brought people to the confluence but also kept them apart. As settlers arrived, three villages developed where the rivers met. Newcomers had to choose the riverbank where they would live and do business. In 1869, the first permanent bridge crossed the Chippewa, linking two of the villages at what later became Grand Avenue.
Frequent fires and floods in the "sawdust city" days often damaged bridges. The 1884 flood took out five. Bridge technology was limited, too. Fearing damage to local bridges, the City of Eau Claire threatened a fine for driving a horse across a bridge "at more than a walk."
Eau Claire's bridges have been built and rebuilt. In 1899, Minnie McDonough christened a third Grand Avenue bridge. Floods had destroyed its predecessors.
In time, Eau Claire's bridges not only helped citizens cross the waters; they also unified the original villages into one city.
...the east and west sides ran neck and neck with the keenest rivalry between them, both business and otherwise. ...if an east side boy went over on the west side he stood a good chance of getting a thrashing and if a west side boy went to the east side the courtesy would be returned.
William Bartlett, Chippewa Valley Historical Society Meeting, 1926
Honoring
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Our Parents Louis and Miriam Arnold, Bridge Builders
[Caption on photograph:]This photograph was taken just north of this spot in 1882. Built in 1880, the bridge passed its 125th anniversary in 2005. Wisconsin Historical Society collections.
Erected by children of Louis and Miriam Arnold.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1869.
Location. 44° 48.794′ N, 91° 30.267′ W. Marker is in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, in Eau Claire County. Marker is on Riverfront Terrace, 0.1 miles west of North Barstow Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Eau Claire WI 54701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
The marker is in the lower left of this photo. The former railroad bridge in the background (also in the photo on the marker) is now a pedestrian bridge.
Photographed By William J. Toman, June 11, 2011
3. Sidewalk next to City of Bridges Marker
One of several engraved stones in the riverfront walk, this one says "It shall stand as a visible link to signify that ... interests and welfare are bound together..., Minnie McDonough, at the opening of the Grand Avenue Bridge, September 27, 1899, as quoted in the Eau Claire Leader."
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 739 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on June 19, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin.