19th Century Bridges and Culverts of Green County

MONROE — This historically quaint stone structure on the northeast grounds of the Monroe Country Club has outlived many area residents. The top photos were taken for an article in the Times in 1997, showing the culvert in reasonably good shape, but the lower recent picture shows a crumbling structure and the date block is nowhere to be seen. Above the culvert the railroad has done some shoring up of the ground as heavier loads are being carried on this railroad track. The first railroad came to Monroe in 1858 by way of Brodhead and Janesville. The article also stated that one or two culverts were utilized about every mile.

Another culvert/bridge is this Richland Creek Stone Arch Bridge, also built in 1869 on the rail line to Monroe. This may be the state’s oldest single span stone arch bridge. The span is 33 feet over Richland Creek.

It is located southeast on County K, left after the tracks and at the bottom of the valley on the left (north) side. After over 150 years, it appears as smooth and strong inside as the day it was laid. The date stone of 1869 on top is a bit worn, but readable.

The Historical Museum, located in the Universalist Church building, will be holding several events for visitors this year, starting with a “Museum Trivia’ night at Cactus and Company on March 28 at 6:30 p.m. Perusal and tours of museum artifacts will be available on March 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and March 24 from 1-3 p.m. Trivia fans are encouraged to attend all events and form a team for the night at Cactus and Company.

The Historical Museum will be opening for the season on June 1, and for weekend afternoons from 1-4 p.m. The entire museum has been reorganized since its remodel with all new and interesting updated exhibits.