Clarence Covered Bridge

Clarence Covered Bridge

The Clarence Covered Bridge 2 miles southwest of Brodhead, Wisconsin. The bridge got its' name from a small village that was once a quarter mile to the east. The village was settled in 1841. Before a bridge was built Jacob TenEyck, the closest land owner had a raft that he used to ferrry people across the Sugar River. After a while a bridge was built but, it would wash out every spring when the floods came. The covered bridge was started in 1864. It was completed in 1866 - 67 at a cost of $4,000. It was 130' long and 16' wide. After a time the bridge was settling and a center piling was added. The bridge was enclosed and roofed after it was about two years old. For many years travelers used it for shelter from storms. In the late 1800's highwaymen hide in its' timbers to drop down and rob those passing by. In 1921 a concrete highway was being built from Brodhead to Monroe and a truck carrying heavy equipment tried to cross and broke through the bridge. It was repaired and served travelers well until 1931. As car and truck traffic increased it was deemed inadequate and it was destroyed and a new bridge built. It remains a large part of local history and is the subject of many photos and paintings. It is remembered even today as the City of Brodhead celebrates "Covered Bridge Days" each summer.

Circa 1930's

3.5' X 4.5" Black and White Print.

Alrina Lederman

Frieda Olin

#3290 Curator #P 99-12-88

Clarence Covered Bridge, Clarence Wisconsin, Jacob TenEyck, Sugar River.