Prescott Bridge, Spanning St. Croix River on U.S. Highway 10, Prescott, Pierce County, WI

Significance: The Prescott Bridge is a rare regional example of a Waddell-and-Harrington, vertical-lift highway bridge. Built by a group of Prescott residents who operated it as a toll crossing from 1923 to 1946, the bridge proved to be a successful commercial venture, although it did not revitalize the City of Prescott as many had expected. The bridge played a major role in developing the region's commerce and transportation, helping to create a major interstate route (eventually designated United States Highway 10) which linked eastern Wisconsin and St. Paul. Recognizing its importance, the Minnesota and Wisconsin Highway Commissions in 1946 purchased the bridge and removed the toll to facilitate travel and commerce. By 1969, the Prescott Bridge could not accommodate current traffic needs and it was scheduled for replacement.

Survey number: HAER WI-61

Building/structure dates: 1922 Initial Construction

Building/structure dates: 1946 Subsequent Work

Building/structure dates: 1991 Demolished

Building/structure dates: 1952 Subsequent Work

Building/structure dates: 1980 Subsequent Work

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1969 - 1980

Library of Congress

http://www.loc.gov/

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