General Dean Suspension Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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General Dean Suspension Bridge
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The General Dean Suspension Bridge, ca. 2000
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Carlyle, Illinois |
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| Area | 0.3 acres (0.12 ha) |
| Built | 1859 |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000693 |
| Added to NRHP | April 3, 1973 |
The General Dean Suspension Bridge is a special bridge that crosses the Kaskaskia River in Carlyle, Illinois. It is named after William F. Dean, who was a brave Major General from Carlyle. He served during the Korean War. This bridge is very important, so it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was added to this list in 1973.
The Bridge's Story
The General Dean Suspension Bridge was first built in 1859. It cost about $40,000 to build back then. This first bridge was used for almost 70 years!
Before the bridge was built, it was hard to cross the Kaskaskia River. People had to use a ferry boat or a simple mud path.
In 1950, a group called the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) looked at the bridge. They saw how special its design was. HABS suggested that the bridge should be saved.
The government of Illinois, called the Illinois General Assembly, agreed. In 1951, they set aside $20,000 to fix up the bridge. Then, in 1953, the bridge was officially named after Major General Dean.
