1 Shiocton 01.JPG
This bridge crosses the Lower Wolf River at Shiocton WI on the former Green Bay and Western rail line, connecting Green Bay and Kewaunee WI with Winona MN. At the time it was built, the Wolf River was deemed by the Federal Government as being navigable as far as Shawano WI, 30 miles further upstream.
Photo taken by Robert Thompson in October 2009
BH Photo #148358
Why is there a swing bridge in this remote location?
The Wolf River was part of the lumber route from northern Wisconsin to the sawmills and paper mills of the Fox River Valley. The Lower Wolf River is a meandering river without steep gradient; here, log rafts were pulled by tugboat to the mills, about 60 miles downstream by water. This swing bridge allowed the tugs to navigate past the rail crossing.
Phantom trains will soon stop rushing out of the mists - the railbed is being converted into a bicycle trail!
From the Wisconsin DNR:
>>>Newton Blackmour State Trail [exit DNR]
Under construction; currently this trail is surfaced between Seymour and Black Creek for about 9 miles. When completed, this county-operated 23-mile trail will connect the communities of New London, Shiocton, Black Creek and Seymour in Outagamie County. This trail, on a former rail grade, is near the southern segment of the Wiouwash State Trail. <<
http://www.greenbayroute.com/1910shiocton.htm