Milwaukee Bridge War History

In the early 1890s, Milwaukee was embroiled in a fierce competition among business leaders to secure their place in the city's future by building the most impressive bridge across the Milwaukee River. This conflict is now known as the Milwaukee Bridge War, during which three prominent citizens of Milwaukee—Peter J. Schuchardt, Joseph D. Whitcomb, and James Bohnan—vied for control over this critical piece of infrastructure. These men were all wealthy industrialists who believed they had a stake in the city's progress and wanted to leave their mark on its development.

Led by Schuchardt, a group of German American boosters sought to build a massive steel arch bridge with multiple spans connecting downtown to the rapidly growing east side neighborhoods. However, Whitcomb, representing the British alliance, rejected any idea of a stone structure and proposed instead a grandiose plan centered around an opulent hotel and office complex called the Metcalfe Building, connected by one oversized span. Finally, Bohnan advocated for a single concrete tower with two smaller bridges flanking it, inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Each proposal would have been an architectural marvel and an iconic symbol of the era.

The conflict between these factions played out publicly before the city council, culminating in a dramatic session where the fate of each design rested in the hands of Alderman Frederick C. Thieneman, whose vote was considered decisive. To sway his decision, proponents from both sides offered various incentives such as free tickets to German opera or receptions at Schmidt's Hotel in exchange for favorable votes. Ultimately, Thieneman cast the deciding vote in favor of the Bohnan proposal, choosing practicality over opulence, although some contend he may have made this choice due to financial considerations rather than purely aesthetic ones.

In spite of the public spectacle surrounding this clash of egos, many believe the Three Bridges built under Bohnan's vision represent the best solution to the problem posed by the Milwaukee Bridge Wars. They still stand today as important historical landmarks, bearing witness to the artistic ambition and political maneuvers that once defined Milwaukee's civic identity.

Learn about the fierce competition between wealthy industrialists in Milwaukee during the 1890s to build an iconic bridge across the Milwaukee River. Discover the architectural proposals and political maneuvers that shaped the outcome of the Milwaukee Bridge Wars.