Stage Roads
Stagecoach service began as road networks were extended
from town to town across the state. The stagecoach
reached its height of popularity during the period
of private turnpikes and plank roads. Numerous
stage companies obtained franchises and provided
regular service throughout southern Wisconsin and
neighboring states. Stagecoaches traveled along
established roads, including military roads, territorial
roads, and local roads.
The first stage service between Milwaukee and Chicago
was begun in 1836 by Lathrop and Johnson. The stage
was an open lumber wagon and the trip took one-and-one-half
days, with an overnight stop in Kenosha. Other
companies soon followed, providing both passenger
and freight transportation. The majority of
stage companies had obtained contracts from the federal
government for transporting the US mail in addition
to passengers and freight.
As the stagecoach system gained popularity, it expanded
into all areas of the state. Stagecoach service
remained an important secondary link to more remote
areas of the state until the late 19th century, when
the expanding railroads offered faster and more comfortable
travel to extended areas of the state. As railroad
interests grew, less attention was paid to Wisconsin's
roads.
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