History

Butler Twp., Clark County, Wisconsin

The Old Butler Dam

To the left half in the picture above is of the North Fork showing pilings still in the river bed. On the right side, is the opposite side of the river. The river was flowing right to left when the photo was taken.
 
These "mosaics" show the abandoned lumber flood dam located on the North Fork of the Eau Claire River. The specific location is 29N, R4W, Township of Butler Section 17. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources lists it as Dam Key Seq. No. 3935, Geo Coordinates 44.823891 -90.9002239. The estimated date of construction is 1866. The Plat Map of 1905 does not show a dam there, so it must have been destroyed prior to that. In 1905 the land was owned by J. L. Gates Land Company.

On a fairly detailed map of the western portion of Clark County. Section 17 appears to border Route MM on the north. Traveling west on MM approximately 1/4 mile west of the intersection with Roger Creek Avenue one comes to what appears to be a foot trail heading south. This trail intersects with the North Fork of the Eau Claire approximately 1/3 to 1/2 mile south. I believe the old dam is located in that immediate area.
 
Contributed by Glenn Rasmussen.
 
***Eventually we would like to get photos of the Eidsvold Rapids Dam and the Taylor County Whipple Dam on the North Fork as well, since they represent an important aspect of the original opening of the country. Please contact Paul Forster if you can help.