Wade House & Plank Road Trail: A Journey Through Sheboygan County’s Early Transportation History
The Wade House and the route of the old Sheboygan-Fond du Lac Plank Road provide a fascinating glimpse into the transportation systems that helped shape Sheboygan County’s development in the mid-19th century. Built in the 1850s, the Sheboygan-Fond du Lac Plank Road was one of the longest plank roads in Wisconsin, playing a crucial role in funneling agricultural products, including wheat, from the interior farms to the port of Sheboygan. Today, the historic significance of this route can still be traced through modern highways and country lanes, with key points of interest offering a deeper understanding of its role in the region’s history.
The Sheboygan-Fond du Lac Plank Road
In its time, the Sheboygan-Fond du Lac Plank Road was an essential transportation route, linking the interior farming regions with the bustling port of Sheboygan. This road was not a typical dirt path—it was constructed with wooden planks, a durable solution to the muddy, uneven conditions of the time. The plank road allowed for more efficient travel of goods and people, facilitating trade and commerce in the region. As one of Wisconsin’s longest plank roads, it was vital for the state’s economy, especially for the movement of agricultural products to market.
Tracing the Route Today
While the original plank road no longer exists in its entirety, portions of the route can still be traced through modern Highway 23 and nearby country lanes. In the Kettle Moraine State Forest near Greenbush, a segment of this historic road has been preserved and is interpreted for visitors. This portion of the plank road gives a tangible sense of what it would have been like for travelers and settlers who relied on it for transportation.
At the Wade House site itself, visitors can view a reconstructed section of wooden planks, offering a rare and authentic look at how the road was constructed. This segment, along with interpretive signage, brings the history of the plank road to life, allowing visitors to imagine the challenges and experiences of those who traveled the road more than a century ago.
Tolls and Travel Along the Plank Road
A historical marker in Greenbush further explains the unique aspects of the plank road, including how travelers would pay tolls at various points along the route. The tolls helped fund the road’s maintenance and upkeep, a necessary aspect of such an infrastructure project. These toll booths were strategically placed along the route, ensuring that the road could continue to serve travelers while also being financially supported.
A Lesser-Known But Fascinating Part of Wisconsin’s History
The Sheboygan-Fond du Lac Plank Road is often overlooked in the history of Wisconsin’s early transportation systems, but it was a significant engineering achievement and an essential part of the state’s growth during the pioneer days. The road facilitated the movement of goods, supported the growth of Sheboygan’s port, and connected settlers to larger markets. Today, the Wade House and the surrounding areas offer a fascinating opportunity to explore this lesser-known infrastructure project and understand its impact on the development of Sheboygan County.
