Cameron Suspension Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cameron Suspension Bridge |
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The historic Cameron Suspension Bridge alongside US‑89, July 2006
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| Coordinates | 35°52′37.62″N 111°24′42.58″W / 35.8771167°N 111.4118278°W |
| Carries | Natural gas pipeline |
| Crosses | Little Colorado River |
| Locale | Cameron, Arizona United States |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Suspension |
| Material | Steel |
| Total length | 680 feet (210 m) |
| Height | 14 feet (4.3 m) |
| Longest span | 660 feet (200 m) |
| History | |
| Architect | W. H. Code |
| Designer | W. H. Code |
| Constructed by | Office of Indian Affairs; Midland Steel Co. |
| Opened | 1911 |
| Closed | 1959 |
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Cameron Suspension Bridge
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| Area | 0.2 acres (0.081 ha) |
| MPS | Vehicular Bridges in Arizona MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 86001206 |
| Added to NRHP | June 5, 1986 |
The Cameron Suspension Bridge is a historic bridge that crosses the Little Colorado River in Cameron, Arizona, United States. It was once a very important crossing for people and goods in the area.
What is the Cameron Suspension Bridge?
This bridge was built in 1911. It used to carry a major road called U.S. Route 89. A new bridge took its place in 1959.
The whole bridge is about 680 feet (207 meters) long. Its main part stretches 660 feet (201 meters). The Midland Bridge Company built it for the government. W. H. Code designed the bridge.
Why was it built?
The area where the bridge crosses the river has very steep canyon walls. This meant they needed a special design that could span the whole distance without needing support from below during construction. That's why they chose a suspension design.
When it was first built, the Cameron Suspension Bridge was the longest suspension bridge west of the Mississippi River.
The bridge's tall towers sit on the canyon's edge. Strong cables stretch from these towers and are anchored far back into the ground. The bridge deck, which is the part you drive on, is 14 feet (4.3 meters) wide. It has a special metal framework called a Pratt through-truss to make it stronger.
The bridge was built to make it easier to reach the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Indian Reservation. It was named after U.S. Senator Ralph H. Cameron. The bridge was also important for building the Navajo Bridge in 1929. That bridge crosses the Colorado River on US 89.
The town of Cameron grew up around this important crossing. Besides connecting to Native American lands, the bridge also opened up a northern path to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.
What happened to the bridge?
In 1937, the bridge was damaged. It almost collapsed because too many sheep were crossing it at once! Luckily, it was repaired. The bridge continued to carry highway traffic until 1959.
When the new bridge opened, the Cameron Suspension Bridge was sold. It now carries a natural gas pipeline. This pipeline is part of the Southern Trails Pipeline system.
The Cameron Suspension Bridge is the oldest suspension bridge in Arizona. It is also one of only two suspension bridges in the entire state.
The Cameron Suspension Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 5, 1986. This means it is recognized as an important historical landmark.
