Ferry Decade 1840 to 1850

William Henry Hubbard purchased the land east of Water Street to the river from Broadway to Prairie Street and in 1843had the first ferry charter on the Wisconsin River. He platted a block north and another south of a 150' section designated as the "Water Arrival" where his ferry boat landed. Today the "Water Arrival" is the Municipal Parking Lot and the "Eagle Look Out" where people come to watch Bald Eagles in the winter. Soon steam boats would arrive here and the railroad would have a station here and now eagles arrive at this "Water Arrival". Frank Grossman built a log house at Broadway and Water Streets and in 1842 was appointed the first postmaster in the area. Mail came in on Fridays from Madison by stage coach.