OSHKOSH COURIER

Wednesday, May 16, 1855

Oshkosh and Stevens Point

From an article in the Stevens Point Pinery of the 13^th inst., we make the following extract relative to the importance of a good road connection with the upper Wisconsin: It is worthy of the attention of our businessmen:

"Oshkosh has superlative River advantages, and in summer, during the season of navigation, is a Queen – in the midst of many waters. But alas for her solitude in winter. From April to November, our access to her bustling marts is easy, quick and every way agreeable. We have the best road to Gill’s Landing, and the finest kind of River Bots, thence to Oshkosh. We can make the whole trip in a day. We should use this thoroughfare, and Oshkosh would become our place of trade, above all others, but for one thing, that the place is inaccessible to us in winter, and we are compelled to go to Milwaukee. A market, to retain its trade, must be available for the whole season. No community will consent to change its resort every six months. There is then no road whatever, from Gill’s Landing to Oshkosh, after the close of navigation. The fault, and it is a serious one, lies at our neighbors’ door, and by them it must be removed.

The distance from Gills to Oshkosh is less than 30 miles, over a country presenting no barriers, worthy the notice of a people of enterprise, who appreciate their position. – But that is it. We have been at that city, and discovered that the men holding the places of business there, have no idea of their position – are sleeping over the advantages that circumstances have placed at t heir command. If they will but wake up, Oshkosh might just as well have the trade (it is no trifle) of the upper Wisconsin, as to have it go elsewhere, if she will but say the word. But it will never receive it without opening an avenue that can be traveled in winter as well as summer. We have, with our neighbors of Waupaca county, done our part – opening a good road to the Wolf. It remains for Oshkosh to do hers – to make at least a good plank Road to Gills Landing.

In saying all this we by no means ignore the idea of a Railroad connection with Oshkosh. If she will not repose on river advantages alone, but entertain seriously with us, the proposition, a railroad may at no distant day, connect Stevens Point and Oshkosh."