Indian Ford Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Indian Ford Bridge
|
|
The now destroyed Indian Ford Bridge near London Mills, Illinois.
|
|
 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Fulton County, Illinois, USA |
|---|---|
| Nearest city | London Mills |
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1917 |
| MPS | Metal Highway Bridges of Fulton County TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 80001357 |
| Added to NRHP | October 29, 1980 |
The Indian Ford Bridge was an important metal bridge in Fulton County, Illinois. It was located about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) southwest of London Mills, Illinois, crossing the Spoon River. This bridge was special because it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on October 29, 1980. Sadly, the Indian Ford Bridge no longer stands today.
About the Indian Ford Bridge
The Indian Ford Bridge was one of nine metal highway bridges in Fulton County that were added to the National Register of Historic Places. This list recognizes places that are important to American history. The bridge was part of a group called the "Metal Highway Bridges of Fulton County."
Many of these historic bridges have since been taken down. For example, the London Mills Bridge, which was the only other historic place in London Mills, was also demolished. Other bridges from this special group that are no longer standing include the Elrod Bridge, Duncan Mills Bridge, and Buckeye Bridge.
Why Was It Special?
The Indian Ford Bridge was one of five bridges from the Fulton County Metal Highway Bridges list that have been demolished since they were added to the National Register. Its listing showed its importance as an example of early 20th-century bridge building.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The name "Indian Ford" comes from a story told by Job Babbit. He was an early pioneer in Fulton County who helped map out roads in the area around 1835. When Babbit was surveying a road where it crossed the Spoon River, he found something interesting.
He discovered a trough made from an elm log. This trough was fastened to the fork of a tree. Inside the trough, Babbit found the skeletal remains of an American Indian. This discovery led him to name the river crossing "Indian Ford."
