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Watertown-Portland Plank Road

The building of roads to open the country for settlement and military purposes was one of the first concerns of the settlers and the government. Following old Indian trails, a Milwaukee-Watertown wagon road was constructed in 1837.

1852

04 14 The Watertown and Milwaukee Plank Road Company has declared another dividend of 3 per cent, making 10 per cent since the first of January. Think of this, ye who_?_ 40 per cent annually for the use of your money; and then act like wise men - purchase stock in the Watertown, Hubbleville, Portland and Waterloo road. WC

1854

11 16 Meeting of the City Council, November 13th, 1854... Resolved, That the Street Commissioners of the 3rd and 4th wards be, and they are hereby authorized and directed to procure 8000 feet oak plank, for the purpose of finishing up the Plank Road, on West Avenue Street to where the Watertown and Portland Plank Road commences, and that the expenses of the same be paid out of the City General Fund. WD

Cross References:

No 1: Daniel Jones was one of the originators of the Plank Road, between Portland and Oconomowoc, and it was a good investment until the railroads came through. They ruined the business and I lost what I had in the enterprise.

No 2: 1871 note on road condition: On the Watertown road but it is quite sticky.

No 3: Mud Tavern hostelry on Watertown-Portland Plank Road

No. 4: 1998, Covered wagons once again rumbling down the old Watertown Plank Road.