The steel bridge erected in 1899 crossed the south branch of the Root River, which divided north and south Forestville. This river crossing saw the evolution of three separate bridges, the first in 1856, the second in 1888, and finally this one, completed in 1899. This 1909 postcard photograph looks southwest from the large barn.

Aside from trees that have since grown up on both sides of the river, this view has remained relatively unchanged. Today visitors can park their cars on the south side of the river, then walk across the bridge into the year 1899 to participate in Historic Forestville's living history program.