Bridge 13 is one of the few remaining examples of a metal truss bridge in Wisconsin. Engineers refer to this truss type as a Warren Truss, distinguished by its angled cross-members. Metal trusses became popular in the late 19th century for railroads and the early 20th century for automobiles because their triangular geometric forms provide maximum rigidity while using a minimum amount of material. In the 1950s, truss bridges were used for the majority of Kickapoo River crossings because they were easily disassembled and reassembled where needed. At one point, 17 of the 20 bridges in the 16-mile stretch from Ontario to La Farge were metal truss bridges. Bridge 13 was refurbished in 2017 through a cooperative agreement with the Ho-Chunk Nation, Kickapoo Reserve Management Board, and the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs.