Canadian River Wagon Bridge - 1916 - Canadian, TX
N 35° 55.729 W 100° 22.480
14S E 375989 N 3976926
A plaque at the south approach span of the Canadian River Wagon Bridge records all the relevant dates for this historic bridge
Waymark Code: WMKG4Y
Location: Texas, United States
Date Posted: 04/10/2014
Views: 6
The waymarked bridge is a 21-span through truss bridge over the Canadian River east of the town of Canadian TX. This historic wagon bridge was renovated and restored into a pedestrian bridge in 2000.
A sign on the south end of the bridge reads as follows:
"CANADIAN RIVER WAGON BRIDGE
In 1915, Hemphill County contracted to erect a bridge to span the Canadian River. Construction of the Canadian River Wagon Bridge was completed in July, 1916. The bridge was comprised of seventeen 153.5 ft. pin-connected Parker through-truss spans; the dimensions being 16 ft. in width and 2635 ft. in total length. After its completion it was said to be the largest steel structure west of the Mississippi. In 1923, it fell victim to the raging waters of the Canadian River which cut a new channel around the north end of the bridge necessitating the extension on the north end of four identical spans and an approach span. The bridge’s 3255 ft. length now made it the longest pin-connected bridge in Texas.
In recent years a committee of interested citizens raised funds, along with matching grants, to renovate the bridge, laying wooden planked flooring, decking, and installing side-guard railings to create a walking bridge. After five years of hard work, the Canadian River Wagon Bridge was reopened on July 1, 2000. It was restored as part of a new scenic hiking and biking trail over the Canadian River Valley and wetlands habitat.
Visualize in times past a horse-drawn wagon or a Model T loaded with people or groceries crossing a wide and mighty Canadian River. Today as you walk this historic bridge keep a keen eye on the riverbed and you might catch a glimpse of an occasional bobcat, turkey, or deer."
The actual date plaque itself reads:
"CANADIAN RIVER WAGON BRIDGE
Originally constructed -- 1916
Historic Renovation -- 2000
Canadian River wagon Bridge
Commissioner's Court
Citizen's Committee
Hemphill County -- Canadian TX
Texas Department of Transportation"
Date built or dedicated as indicated on the date stone or plaque.: 1916
Date stone, plaque location.: south approach span
Road, body of water, land feature, etc. that the bridge spans.: Canadian River
Website (if available): [Web Link]
Parking (safe parking location): N 35° 55.729 W 100° 22.480
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