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Altitude: m. ASL.
Region:
United States > Illinois
Cache type: Traditional
Size: Regular
Status:
Archived
Time required:
1:00 h
Distance to travel:
0.50 km
Date hidden: 2010-08-18
Date created: 2010-08-18
Date published: 2010-08-18
Last modification: 2012-08-02 
117 visitors 
0 x rated 
Rated as: n/a
Description
EN
When most people think of East Dubuque, they think of the downtown "Sin strip," with its nightclubs and strip joints. Its been that way for over 130 years.
Originally named Dunleith after a Scottish village, The little river settlement of East Dubuque quickly prospered. The name was changed to East Dubuque in 1877 and the railroad soon brought land speculators, hotelkeepers and ferry operators.
Captain Merry built the legendary Merry Building located on Sinsinawa Avenue and became very successful ferrying people and cargo across the Mississippi. The building also served as a stop on the underground railway for slaves.
Work on The High Bridge began on September 7, 1886 and was completed 10 months later. The High Bridge(also known as the Wagon Bridge) was the first highway between Iowa and Illinois. The first person to use the bridge was Mrs. George Gantenbein who rode across it on a horse.
In 1903 the railroad tunnel and bridge, still in use, ended the lucrative Merry ferry and hotel trade.
Despite national Prohibition East Dubuque remained "wet" until 1919. Local taletellers say thirsty Iowans bought their liquor here and trundled it across the high bridge in baby buggies, etc. The night that Prohibition became Federal law, and padlocks went up on the taverns, thousands of Tri-staters rioted through the streets. Many local residents hid in basements and cornfields.
Soon speakeasies and gambling appeared. Whiskey stills dotted the countryside. Al Capone and other "outstanding" citizens were said to be involved. The Merry Inn became merry again.
In 1943 Julien Dubuque Bridge was completed, and later that same year, the old High bridge was removed. The beautiful Julien Dubuque Bridge at 7,392 feet long has one of the longest tied arch spans ever built.
Recommended parking is along Sin Strip, at 42° 29.673n and 90° 38.765w
100 years ago there was nice sidewalks and rails to stop travelers from falling. Those are long gone and replaced with lots of fallen trees and sheer 50' drops to the tracks below.
Clutzy cachers and those who suffer from vertigo should take great care when heading to this cache. No cache is worth dying for. Stay out of the train tunnel!
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