List of bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Oklahoma facts for kids
Oklahoma is a state in the United States with a rich history. Many of its old bridges and tunnels are very important. They are so special that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect places that are important to the history of the country.
These bridges and tunnels show how people traveled and built things a long time ago. They are like giant outdoor museums! They tell stories about how Oklahoma grew and connected its towns and cities.
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What Makes a Bridge or Tunnel Historic?
A bridge or tunnel gets on the National Register of Historic Places if it is very old and important. This could be because of its unique design, how it was built, or its role in history. For example, some bridges were part of famous roads like U.S. Route 66. Others were vital for trains or connecting communities.
Different Types of Bridges
Bridges come in many shapes and sizes. Each type is built for a different purpose or to cross different kinds of land. Here are some types you might find in Oklahoma:
- Truss Bridges: These bridges use a frame of triangles, called trusses, to make them strong. They can be "through truss" where traffic goes through the frame, or "pony truss" where the frame is shorter and doesn't go over the top.
- Suspension Bridges: These bridges hang from strong cables that are supported by tall towers. Think of a giant hammock!
- Concrete Bridges: Many modern bridges are made of concrete. Older concrete bridges can also be historic if they show early ways of using this material.
Famous Historic Bridges in Oklahoma
Bridge No. 18 at Rock Creek
This bridge is near Sapulpa and was built in 1924 and 1926. It's a "Parker Through Truss" bridge. This means it has a strong metal frame that cars drive through. It was an important part of the famous U.S. Route 66, also known as the "Mother Road." Route 66 was a major highway that connected many parts of the United States.
Eleventh Street Arkansas River Bridge
Located in Tulsa, this bridge crosses the Arkansas River. It was listed as historic in 1996. It's a "multiple-span concrete bridge," meaning it has many sections made of concrete. This bridge also played a role in the history of Route 66, helping travelers cross the river.
Little Cabin Creek Bridge
Built between 1934 and 1935, the Little Cabin Creek Bridge is near Vinita. It's a "Parker pony truss" bridge. This type of truss bridge is strong but doesn't have the top part of the truss frame. It's a great example of bridge building from that time.
Little Deep Fork Creek Bridge
You can find this bridge near Bristow. It was built in different stages, in 1914, 1926, and 1928. It's a "Bedstead Warren Pony Truss" bridge. This is another type of truss bridge, known for its unique design. It shows how bridge designs changed over time.
Morrison Suspension Bridge
The Morrison Suspension Bridge was built in 1917 near Morrison. Suspension bridges are known for their long main spans, which hang from cables. This bridge is a great example of early 20th-century engineering in Oklahoma.
Old Santa Fe Railroad Bridge
This historic railroad bridge is near Wanette. It was listed in 2010. Even though the exact year it was built isn't listed, it's an important part of the state's railroad history. Railroads were key to moving goods and people across the country.
Pryor Creek Bridge
The Pryor Creek Bridge, near Chelsea, was built in 1926 and 1932. It's a "Modified Pratt Through Truss" bridge. This is another variation of the strong truss design, where traffic goes through the main structure.
State Highway 78 Bridge at the Red River
This large bridge was built between 1937 and 1938. It crosses the Red River, which forms part of the border between Oklahoma and Texas. It's a "K-truss through bridge," a very strong design used for long spans.
US Highway 77 Bridge at Canadian River
Built in 1938, this "Deck Truss Bridge" crosses the Canadian River near Purcell. In a deck truss bridge, the roadway is on top of the truss structure. It's another example of the important bridges built during the 1930s to improve travel.
Historic Tunnels
Jenson Tunnel
The Jenson Tunnel is a very old tunnel built in 1885. It is located near Cameron. Tunnels are important because they allow roads or railways to pass through mountains or hills. The Jenson Tunnel is a key part of Oklahoma's early transportation history.
Images for kids
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The historic Rock Creek Bridge on old Route 66.
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A view of the Eleventh Street Arkansas River Bridge in Tulsa.
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The Little Cabin Creek Bridge near Vinita.
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The Little Deep Fork Creek Bridge in Bristow.
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The Old Santa Fe Railroad Bridge.
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The Opossum Creek Bridge.
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The Pryor Creek Bridge near Chelsea.
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The Highway 78 Bridge at the Red River.
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The US Highway 77 Bridge at the Canadian River.
