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

Did you know that many old bridges and tunnels in South Dakota are special? They are so important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect buildings, places, and objects that are important to American history. It's like a special hall of fame for historic structures!

South Dakota has many cool bridges that have been around for a long time. These bridges show us how people used to build things and how transportation has changed over the years. Let's explore some of these amazing old bridges!

Historic Bridges in South Dakota

Many bridges in South Dakota are on the National Register of Historic Places. These bridges were built using different styles and materials, showing how engineering changed over time.

Bridges by Type

Here are some of the interesting types of bridges you can find in South Dakota:

Arch Bridges

Arch bridges are strong and beautiful, using a curved shape to hold up the weight.

• The Beaver Creek Bridge near Hot Springs was built in 1929. It's an "open spandrel concrete arch" bridge, which means it has open spaces above the arch.
• The Eighth Street Bridge in Sioux Falls was built in 1912 and is also an arch bridge.
• The Pine Street Bridge in Yankton (1912) is a "Concrete Deck Arch" bridge.
• Many "Stone Arch" bridges, like the ones in Parker (1940) and Centerville (1938), were built using strong stone.
• The Split Rock Park Bridge (1936) in Garretson is another cool stone arch bridge.

Truss Bridges

Truss bridges use a framework of connected triangles to make them very strong. There are many different types of truss bridges:

• Pratt Truss bridges are common. The Capa Bridge (1919) near Murdo and the Chilson Bridge (1929) near Edgemont are examples.
• Parker Through Truss bridges, like the Buffalo Gap Cheyenne River Bridge (1932) and the Old Yankton Bridge (1895) in Sioux Falls, have their framework above the road.
• The Chamberlain Bridge (1925, 1953) is a "Pennsylvania through truss" bridge.
• The Chicago and North Western Railroad Bridge (1906, 1907) in Pierre is also a "Pennsylvania truss bridge."
• The Lewis Bridge (1922) near Wewela is a "Pratt pony truss" bridge. A "pony truss" means the framework is not as tall as a "through truss" and doesn't go over the top of the road.
• The Meridian Bridge (1924) in Yankton is a special "Pratt vertical-lift truss" bridge, meaning a section can lift up to let boats pass!
• The Palisades Bridge (1908) in Garretson is a "Pratt pin connected truss."

Other Interesting Bridges

• The Miller Ree Creek Bridge (1914) near Miller is a unique "Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge," known for its distinctive curved shape.
• The Pig Tail Bridge (around 1930, 1940) near Hot Springs is called "Rustic," meaning it blends in with its natural surroundings.
• Some bridges are called "Multi-plate arch" bridges, like the Hay Creek Bridge (1941) near Belle Fourche and the Kemp Avenue Bridge (1935) in Watertown. These are made from curved metal plates bolted together.

Bridges Removed from the Register

Sometimes, bridges are removed from the National Register of Historic Places. This can happen if they are taken down, or if they are changed so much that they no longer have their original historic look or importance.

Images for kids

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  Beaver Creek Bridge

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  Bridge at Iverson Crossing

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  Chamberlain Bridge

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  Cherry Rock Park Bridge

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  Chicago and North Western Railroad Bridge

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  Dell Rapids Bridge

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  Eighth Street Bridge

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  Lewis Bridge

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  Meridian Bridge

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  Old Yankton Bridge

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  Palisades Bridge

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  Pig Tail Bridge

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  Pine Street Bridge

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  Red Shirt Bridge

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  South Dakota Department of Transportation Bridge No. 52-575-383

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  South Dakota Department of Transportation Bridge No. 52-824-300

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  Split Rock Park Bridge

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  Bridge No. 50-200-035