Hudson in St. Croix County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Hudson Toll Bridge
Photographed By Keith L, June 10, 2011
1. Hudson Toll Bridge Marker
Inscription.
Hudson Toll Bridge. . The original interstate toll bridge which spanned the St. Croix River was officially opened for traffic June 14, 1913. It was privately owned by the St. Croix Bridge Company until 1917, when it became city property. For more than 35 years, it was popularly known as the Hudson Toll Bridge. , In 1936, Dr. Boyd T. Williams donated the lighted arch structure at the entrance to the Toll Bridge. The original cost was $1500. The arch was lighted until the Toll Bridge was abandoned in 1951, after a new bridge was built further south. , Through community efforts, the unique "Arch over the Old Toll Bridge" was relit on July 27, 1995, to serve as a unique historical welcome to the many visitors to Hudson. ,
Renovation made possible by. Art Doyle's Spokes and Pedals · Bayside Neon · City of Hudson · Elizabeth Gund Hartl · Eric and Elizabeth Moline · Erickson Diversified · First National Bank of Hudson · Furniture World · Gagnon Construction · Gherty and Gherty, S.C. · Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau · John and Rebecca Kremer · Laser Magic · MidAmerica Bank of Hudson · Mitchell-Hanson Electric · Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Hartl in memory of Jill Hartil · Nor-Lake Inc · Northern States Power · Northland Electric · West Industries
The original interstate toll bridge which spanned the St. Croix River was officially opened for traffic June 14, 1913. It was privately owned by the St. Croix Bridge Company until 1917, when it became city property. For more than 35 years, it was popularly known as the Hudson Toll Bridge.
In 1936, Dr. Boyd T. Williams donated the lighted arch structure at the entrance to the Toll Bridge. The original cost was $1500. The arch was lighted until the Toll Bridge was abandoned in 1951, after a new bridge was built further south.
Through community efforts, the unique "Arch over the Old Toll Bridge" was relit on July 27, 1995, to serve as a unique historical welcome to the many visitors to Hudson.
Renovation made possible by
Art Doyle's Spokes & Pedals · Bayside Neon · City of Hudson · Elizabeth Gund Hartl · Eric & Elizabeth Moline · Erickson Diversified · First National Bank of Hudson · Furniture World · Gagnon Construction · Gherty & Gherty, S.C. · Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau · John & Rebecca Kremer · Laser Magic · MidAmerica Bank of Hudson · Mitchell-Hanson Electric · Mr. & Mrs. Floyd Hartl in memory of Jill Hartil · Nor-Lake Inc · Northern States Power · Northland Electric · West Industries
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts
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. A significant historical date for this entry is June 14, 1906.
Location. 44° 58.493′ N, 92° 45.51′ W. Marker is in Hudson, Wisconsin, in St. Croix County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Walnut Street and First Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is at Lakefront Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hudson WI 54016, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regarding Hudson Toll Bridge. The Saint Croix River crossing had a low bridge on the Wisconsin side, a half-mile long causeway, and a high toll bridge over the main channel at the Minnesota side. The toll bridge is gone, but pedestrians can still use the causeway. Power line poles are now along the causeway and at the former location of the toll bridge.
Also see . . .
Photographed By Keith L, June 10, 2011
2. Hudson Toll Bridge Arch and Marker
[east side]
Looking towards the toll bridge causeway and Minnesota. The marker is attached to the right column.
The main river channel is beyond the power line poles.
Photographed By Keith L, June 10, 2011
7. Welcome Sign Photo
Before the building of the Hudson toll bridge in 1913, the most convenient way to get across the St. Croix River was to take a ferryboat from Hudson to Lakeland, Minnesota. The rate for a "footman" was 25 cents. It was 75 cents for a horse and rider. The ferry pictured here was known as the "Louis O".
Photographed By Keith L, June 10, 2011
8. Welcome Sign Photo
The first St. Croix River Bridge was erected in 1912-1913 at a cost of less than $80,000, span and dike included. It was in use until 1951 when the new interstate bridge was opened to traffic. For 34 years revenues from the bridge were used for Hudson's civic improvements and for the reduction of real estate taxes.
Photographed By Keith L, June 10, 2011
9. Nearby Yellowstone Trail Signs
The Yellowstone Trail, later U.S. 12, crossed the St. Croix River by way of the Hudson Toll Bridge.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,882 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on June 30, 2011, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.