Waco Historical Suspension Bridge
by Joan Carroll
Title
Waco Historical Suspension Bridge
Artist
Joan Carroll
Medium
Photograph - Digital Art
Description
This is the Waco Suspension Bridge. It is a 475-foot structure that crosses the Brazos River in downtown Waco and was one of the largest suspension bridge spans in the world when the original structure was completed in late 1869/early 1870. Before 1869, crossing the Brazos River was a time-consuming and sometimes dangerous ordeal. The only way to cross the river was via ferry, and due to the location of Waco on the growing Chisholm Trail, local businessmen knew that a bridge was needed to support commerce. A charter was received from the state in 1866. The bridge was wide enough for stagecoaches to pass each other, or for cattle to cross one side of the bridge, and humans to cross the other side. Being the only bridge to cross the Brazos at the time, the cost of building the bridge, which was estimated to be $141,000 was quickly paid back. Tolls were 5 cents per head of cattle that crossed, along with a charge for pedestrian traffic. In 1913/1914, most of the original bridge structure was replaced, including the cables and stiffening trusses. So a 1914 construction date can be argued to be more appropriate. Even when considered a 1914 bridge, this structure is a rare example of its type, and an extremely beautiful suspension bridge that forms a historical centerpiece for Waco. The bridge has been preserved for non-motorized use, having been closed to vehicular traffic in 1970. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.
FEATURED PHOTO, ART - It Is Good For You group, 11/13/21
FEATURED PHOTO, The Gray Scale Outdoors group, 6/16/19
FEATURED PHOTO, Black and White Photography group, 9/18/15
FEATURED PHOTO, The Road To Self Promotion group, 9/6/15
FEATURED PHOTO, Black and White Photography group, 9/5/15
Uploaded
September 5th, 2015
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