The Old Iron Bridge

In 1836 when our early settlers came to McHenry, the Fox was crossed by using an Indian Ford and a little later, by Indian Canoes. Later in that year, a Ferry Boat was built near Burlington Wis and purchased by the citizens of McHenry in 1837.  

It was used until 1842 when the first bridge was built across the Fox. According to The McHenry Plaindealer, this was located at Elm Street. This bridge was carried away by a freshet (flooding of the river due to heavy rain or melting snow) in the Spring of 1849. 

McHenry citizens rebuilt it in May of that year. By 1852, that bridge had deteriorated so a new bridge was built at Pearl Street. In 1880, that bridge was replaced with the old Iron Bridge. 

The current bridge was dedicated in December of 1977.