Buckeye Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Buckeye Bridge
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Former bridge over the Spoon river. Removed in 1994
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | Smithfield, Fulton County, Illinois, USA |
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| Built | 1910 |
| MPS | MPL011 - Metal Highway Bridges of Fulton County Thematic Resources |
| NRHP reference No. | 80001361 |
| Added to NRHP | October 29, 1980 |
The Buckeye Bridge, also known as White's Ferry Bridge, was an important metal bridge in Fulton County, Illinois. It was built in 1910 and crossed the Spoon River near Smithfield, Illinois. This bridge was special because it was one of nine metal highway bridges in the county that were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list of places in the United States that are important to history.
The Buckeye Bridge was added to this list on October 29, 1980. It was part of a group of bridges called the "Metal Highway Bridges of Fulton County Thematic Resources". Sadly, the Buckeye Bridge was taken down in 1994. It is one of five bridges from that original group that are no longer standing today.
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What Was the Buckeye Bridge?
The Buckeye Bridge was a type of bridge known as a metal highway bridge. It was designed to carry cars and people over the Spoon River. Bridges like this were very important for travel and trade in the early 1900s. They helped connect different towns and communities.
Why Was It Important?
The Buckeye Bridge was important for a few reasons. First, it was a good example of how bridges were built back in 1910. Second, it played a role in connecting communities in Fulton County. Most importantly, it was recognized for its historical value by being placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it was considered a significant part of America's history and architecture.
The National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places. It is managed by the National Park Service. When a place is added to this list, it means it is worth saving and protecting. The Buckeye Bridge was added because it was a great example of metal highway bridges from that time.
Other Bridges in the Area
The Buckeye Bridge was not the only historic bridge near Smithfield. Two other bridges, the Bernadotte Bridge and the Tartar's Ferry Bridge, were also listed on the National Register. These bridges, along with others like the Babylon Bend Bridge in Ellisville, showed the rich history of bridge building in Fulton County.
The Elrod Bridge
Another bridge, the Elrod Bridge, was also considered for the National Register. However, it was removed from the list after it was destroyed in 1995. This happened during a powerful F-4 tornado. This shows how important it is to protect historic structures, as they can be lost to natural events.
The End of the Buckeye Bridge
The Buckeye Bridge was taken down in 1994. This means it no longer stands over the Spoon River. Even though it's gone, its history is still remembered because it was once on the National Register of Historic Places. Its story helps us learn about engineering and transportation from the past.
Images for kids
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The Buckeye Bridge, also known as White's Ferry Bridge, before it was removed.
