The Old Lead Road Monument Restoration
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Photo courtesy of Steve Hodgson
Pictured at the monument are Post #141 Legion members, from left, Josh Rabel, Commander Tim Schmitt, Vice Commander Steve Hodgson, Russell Elingson and Ken Johnson.
In 1920, Walter Stuessy, Commander of the Stuessy-Kuenzi Post #141 of the American Legion in New Glarus, erected the "Old Lead Road" monument about a mile south of New Glarus on a rustic road that we know today as County Road NN. In 1934, this area became known as the New Glarus Woods State Park.
The monument sits at the entrance to the state park. About a year ago, the monument was in dire need of some restoration, as the base was deteriorating and the granite was beginning to lean and eventually fall over. The Legion contacted the Wisconsin DNR to find out what it would take to repair the monument, and, working with the DNR, we were able to begin our process of repair.
We contacted New Glarus Concrete (many thanks to Bob and Trevor for all their help), and Stuessy-Kuenzi Post #141 of the American Legion was able to repair the granite monument.
The monument reads: "The Old Lead Road. In 1828, ox-teams, guided along an ancient Winnebago Indian Trail, began hauling over this road. June 29, 1832, after the battle of the Pecatonica, Gen. Henry Dodge and his Rangers passed here to join the main pursuit of Black Hawk at Koshkonong. June 27, 1845, Niklaus Durst and Fridolin Streiff were led by this road to the site of New Glarus which they selected as the location of their Swiss colony. August 15, 1845, the first band of Swiss colonists followed this road to their new home. Erected by Walter Stuessy, Post No. 141, American Legion."
The Old Lead Road monument should be good for another 100 years.
