List of bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Illinois facts for kids

Illinois is home to many incredible bridges and tunnels that have played a big part in its history. Some of these structures are so special that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This important list helps protect places that tell stories about America's past. These bridges and tunnels helped people travel, trade, and connect communities for many years. They show us how engineers and builders worked long ago. Let's explore some of these amazing historic structures in Illinois!

What Makes a Bridge Historic?

The National Register of Historic Places is like a special hall of fame for buildings, places, and structures in the United States. When a bridge or tunnel is added to this list, it means it's important for its history, design, or how it helped people. It might be very old, built in a unique way, or connected to important events. Protecting these places helps us learn about the past and appreciate the clever ways people built things.

Different Kinds of Historic Bridges

Bridges come in many shapes and sizes, each designed for a different purpose. Here are some types you'll find among Illinois' historic bridges:

• Truss Bridges: These bridges use a framework of triangles, called a truss, to support the weight. Common types include the Pratt truss, Parker truss, and Warren truss.
• Arch Bridges: These bridges use a curved arch shape to carry weight. They can be made of stone, concrete, or metal.
• Covered Bridges: These are wooden bridges with roofs and sides. The covering protects the wood from weather, making the bridge last longer.
• Suspension Bridges: These bridges hang from strong cables that are supported by tall towers.

Famous and Unique Illinois Bridges

Illinois has many fascinating bridges. Here are some of the most notable ones on the National Register:

Eads Bridge

The Eads Bridge is a super important bridge connecting East St. Louis, Illinois, with St. Louis, Missouri. It was built between 1867 and 1874. This bridge was one of the first major bridges in the world to use steel! It's a cantilever deck arch bridge, which means it has strong arches that stick out and support the roadway. It was a huge engineering achievement for its time.

Eads Bridge

Chain of Rocks Bridge

The Chain of Rocks Bridge was built in 1929 and 1936. It's a Warren Truss bridge that crosses the Mississippi River near Madison. What makes it really unique is its 22-degree bend in the middle! This bend was put there to make it easier for boats to pass through the tricky "Chain of Rocks" area of the river. Today, it's no longer used for cars but is a popular path for walking and biking.

Chain of Rocks Bridge

Covered Bridges

Illinois has several charming covered bridges on the historic register:

• Mary's River Covered Bridge: Built in 1854 near Chester, this bridge uses a Burr Arch design. It's a beautiful example of early American bridge building.

Mary's River Covered Bridge

• Red Covered Bridge: Located near Princeton, this bridge was built in 1863. Its bright red color makes it stand out and it's a popular spot for visitors.

Red Covered Bridge in Princeton

• Sugar Creek Covered Bridge: This wooden-trussed bridge from 1827 is near Chatham. It's one of the oldest covered bridges in the state.

Sugar Creek Covered Bridge

• Thompson Mill Covered Bridge: Built in 1868 near Cowden, this bridge is another great example of the covered bridges that once dotted the American landscape.

Thompson Mill Covered Bridge

Sylvan Road Bridge

The Sylvan Road Bridge in Glencoe was built in 1915. It's special because it was designed by the famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright! It's his only known bridge design, making it a truly unique piece of history.

Sylvan Road Bridge

Other Notable Bridges

• Airtight Bridge: This Pratt through-truss bridge was built in 1914 near Charleston. It has a mysterious name that makes people curious!

Airtight Bridge

• Camelback Bridge: Found in Normal, this King post bridge from 1997 has a distinctive "camelback" shape, meaning it rises in the middle.

Camelback Bridge

• Cemetery Road Bridge: This stone double arch bridge from 1894 is located near Washington. Stone arch bridges are known for their strength and beauty.

Cemetery Road Bridge

• Fall Creek Stone Arch Bridge: Built in 1855 near Payson, this is another fine example of a sturdy stone arch bridge.

Fall Creek Stone Arch Bridge

• General Dean Suspension Bridge: This suspension bridge from 1859 is in Carlyle. Suspension bridges are known for their long spans and elegant appearance.

General Dean Suspension Bridge

• Oquawka Wagon Bridge: Built in 1866 in Oquawka, this bridge uses a Burr Arch Truss design, similar to some covered bridges.

Oquawka Wagon Bridge

• Savanna-Sabula Bridge: This cantilever through truss bridge from 1931 connects Savanna to Sabula, Iowa, across the Mississippi River.

Savanna-Sabula Bridge

Images for kids

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  Blakeman Bridge

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  Buckeye Bridge

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  Illinois Central Stone Arch Railroad Bridges

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  Indian Ford Bridge

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  London Mills Bridge

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  Lyndon Bridge

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  Old Stone Arch, National Road

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  Seville Bridge

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  Sixth Street Stone Arch Bridge

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  Stone Arch Bridge (Champaign)

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  Stone Arch Bridge (Danville)

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  Stone Quarry Bridge

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  Tartar's Ferry Bridge

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  Third Street Bridge (Delavan)

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  Waltmire Bridge

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  Old Embarras River Bridge

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  Hazen Bridge