The Mindoro Cut In Wisconsin Is The Second-Deepest Cut Built By Hand In The Western Hemisphere

Without a doubt, the Mindoro Cut is one of the state’s most impressive feats. Not only is it one of the deepest cuts built by hand, but it’s touted as the oldest functional cut, which hasn’t been improved upon. Regardless of these stats, it’s simply a spectacular sight that’s sure to amaze. Read on to learn more about this impressive man-made wonder.

Located in the Town of Farmington, the Mindoro Cut carries County Trunk Highway C through Phillips Ridge, linking Mindoro with West Salem.

Prior to the cut being made, Phillips Ridge was too steep to be traversed, which meant those traveling to Mindoro had to take a much longer route in order to bypass the ridge.

At 74 feet deep, it takes the title of the “2nd deepest cut built by hand in the Western Hemisphere.”

Its other measurements are pretty noteworthy as well. Overall, it’s 86 feet long and 25 feet wide.

Work on Mindoro Cut began in 1907 and was completed in 1908.

The cut was commissioned by Mindoro farmers and La Crosse County officials. Initially, its main purpose was to link a creamery in Mindoro with a railroad station in West Salem.

The cut was created primarily with hand tools; however, dynamite was also used.

Initially, it was believed that the ridge was comprised completely of sandstone. However, at the start of the project, it was quickly realized that the ridge’s interior was made of dolomite, which is much harder.

Carving out the cut was no easy task. Since horses couldn’t traverse the steep slope, workers had to use wheelbarrows to remove waste rock.

In order to get the wheelbarrows down the ridge, workers had to balance them on narrow, uneven planks. According to reports, Louis Miller, the project supervisor, would fire any worker who overturned their wheelbarrow three times. Not surprisingly, many workers quit after bringing their first load down the ridge.

When all was said and done, the total cost for constructing Mindoro Cut was $11,241.29.

The total cost includes workers' wages, which were $1.25 per day.

In 2007, 100 years after construction began on Mindoro Cut, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, a plaque stands at the site, signifying its importance.

Want to check out the Mindoro Cut for yourself? Click here for a map and detailed directions.

So, did you know about the Mindoro Cut? Or its status as the second deepest cut built by hand? Ever driven through it? Tell us in the comments section.

This isn’t the only option for traveling through a huge rock formation. Read about another here.