List of bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Florida facts for kids
Did you know that some bridges and tunnels are so special they get listed in a national hall of fame? In Florida, many amazing bridges and tunnels are on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important parts of history and engineering. They are protected so future generations can enjoy them.
Let's explore some of these cool structures that help people travel across water or land in Florida!
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What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is like a special list of places in the United States that are important for their history, architecture, or archaeology. When a bridge or building is on this list, it means it's recognized as a valuable part of our past. It also helps protect it from being changed or torn down without careful thought.
Famous Historic Bridges in Florida
Florida has many unique bridges. They help connect different parts of the state, especially over its many waterways. Here are some of the historic bridges that have earned a spot on the National Register.
Blackburn Point Bridge
The Blackburn Point Bridge is a historic bridge located in Osprey, Florida. It was built in 1925. This bridge is a type called a Warren pony truss. A truss bridge uses a framework of triangles to support the weight. A "pony truss" means the top of the truss doesn't connect overhead. It's a neat example of early 20th-century bridge building. The bridge was added to the National Register on March 29, 2001.
Bridge of Lions
The Bridge of Lions is a famous landmark in St. Augustine, Florida. It was built in 1926. This bridge is a bascule bridge, which means it has a section that can lift up. This allows boats to pass underneath. The bridge is known for its two large marble lions that guard each end. It became a historic place on November 19, 1982.
Lafayette Street Bridge (Kennedy Blvd. Drawbridge)
Also known as the Kennedy Boulevard Drawbridge, the Lafayette Street Bridge is in Tampa, Florida. It was built way back in 1913. This is another bascule bridge, designed to open and close for river traffic. It's an important part of Tampa's history and how the city grew. It was listed on the National Register on February 20, 2018.
Michigan Avenue Bridge (Columbus Drive Drawbridge)
The Michigan Avenue Bridge, also called the Columbus Drive Drawbridge, is another historic bridge in Tampa, Florida. It was built in 1926. This bridge is a swing-span bridge. This means a section of the bridge pivots or "swings" open to let boats pass. It's a cool design that was popular for bridges over busy waterways. It joined the National Register on September 25, 2017.
Moores Creek Bridge
Located in Fort Pierce, Florida, the Moores Creek Bridge was built in 1925. This bridge is a deck arch bridge. An arch bridge uses a curved structure underneath to support the roadway. A "deck arch" means the road is on top of the arch. It's a strong and elegant design. The Moores Creek Bridge was added to the National Register on August 17, 2001.
Overseas Highway and Railway Bridges
The Overseas Highway and Railway Bridges are a collection of bridges that stretch across the Florida Keys. These bridges have a long and fascinating history, with parts built in 1905, 1912, 1935, and around 1936. They include different types of bridges like arch, girder, and truss bridges. They were originally part of Henry Flagler's Overseas Railroad. Later, they were converted for cars to create the famous Overseas Highway. This amazing collection of bridges was listed on the National Register on August 13, 1979.
Venetian Causeway
The Venetian Causeway connects Miami and Miami Beach. It was built in 1926. This causeway is made up of several bascule bridges that allow boats to travel through the waterways. It's a beautiful and historic route that offers great views. The Venetian Causeway was added to the National Register on July 13, 1989.
Images for kids
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Blackburn Point Bridge
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Lion on SA Bridge of Lions
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Kennedy Bridge; Tampa Bay Fun Boat
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Columbus Drive Swing Span Bridge from Riverside Garden Park-2
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Moores Creek Bridge Fort Pierce Florida
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Overseas Highway Channel 5 Bridge
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Venetiancauseway
