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

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Kansas is home to many old and important bridges and tunnels. These structures are more than just ways to cross rivers or go through hills; they are also a big part of the state's history. Many of these special bridges and tunnels are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are recognized for their historical importance and unique design.

These historic structures show us how people built things in the past. They tell stories about how towns grew and how people traveled across Kansas long ago. From strong stone arches to clever metal trusses, each bridge has its own story.

What Makes a Bridge Historic?

A bridge becomes historic when it's old and has special meaning. This could be because it's a great example of a certain building style, or because it played an important role in local history. When a bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it means it's protected and its history is celebrated.

Different Types of Historic Bridges

Kansas has many different kinds of old bridges. Each type was built using different engineering ideas to be strong and last a long time.

Truss Bridges

Truss bridges are built with a framework of triangles. This shape makes them very strong and able to carry heavy loads. Many old truss bridges in Kansas were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

  • The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Pratt Truss Bridge was built in 1909 near Melvern. A Pratt truss uses diagonal pieces that slant towards the center of the bridge.
  • The Elk Falls Pratt Truss Bridge from 1892-1893 is another great example. It's located in Elk Falls.
  • The Clear Creek Camel Truss Bridge in Baileyville (built 1930) has a unique "camelback" shape, which means the top part of the truss curves like a camel's hump.
  • The Republican River Pegram Truss near Concordia (built 1893) is a special type of truss designed by an engineer named George H. Pegram.

Stone Arch Bridges

Stone arch bridges are some of the oldest and most beautiful bridges. They are built with carefully cut stones that fit together to form a strong arch. These bridges often look like something out of a fairy tale!

  • The Clements Stone Arch Bridge in Clements was built way back in 1886. It's one of the most famous stone arch bridges in Kansas.
  • The Esch's Spur Bridge near Dexter, built around 1915, is another lovely example of a stone arch bridge.
  • The Morton County WPA Bridge (1936) near Richfield was built during the Great Depression by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), a government program that created jobs.

Concrete Bridges

As technology advanced, builders started using concrete more often. Concrete bridges can be very strong and can take on many different shapes.

  • The Amelia Park Bridge (1914) in Antelope is an early concrete bridge.
  • The Bucher Bridge (1905) near Rock is a reinforced concrete arch bridge, meaning it has steel bars inside the concrete for extra strength.
  • The John Mack Bridge in Wichita, built in 1930-1931, is a "rainbow" reinforced concrete bridge. It has a beautiful arch shape that looks like a rainbow.

Other Unique Bridges

Some bridges have very specific designs that make them stand out.

  • The Hobbs Creek Truss Leg Bedstead Bridge (1904) near Gypsum is a unique type of bridge that looks a bit like an old bed frame.
  • The Lyon Creek Rainbow Arch (1925) near Wreford is another "rainbow" bridge, known for its distinctive arch shape.
  • The County Line Bowstring (1876) near Hollis and Wayne is a bowstring truss, which has a curved top chord and a straight bottom chord, resembling a bow and arrow.

Bridges That Are No Longer There

Sometimes, even historic bridges can be removed for different reasons, like safety or new construction. However, their history is still remembered.

  • The Belvidere Medicine River Bridge (1913) in Belvidere was a reinforced concrete arch bridge that was removed in 2000.
  • The Schleichers Branch Stone Arch Bridge (around 1898-1900) near Humboldt was also removed in 2004.

These bridges, even if they are gone, remind us of the engineering and hard work of the past.

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List of bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Kansas Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.