Mahned Bridge facts for kids
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Mahned Bridge
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Underside of camelback truss in 2014
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 Location in Mississippi
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | New Augusta, Mississippi |
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| Built | 1903 |
| Built by | Chicago Bridge and Iron Company |
| Architectural style | Camelback & Pratt through truss |
| NRHP reference No. | 97001379 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 24, 1997 |
The Mahned Bridge is an old bridge that was built in 1903. It crosses the Leaf River in Perry County, Mississippi. This bridge was taken out of service around 1980, meaning cars could no longer drive on it. Because of its history, the Mahned Bridge was named a Mississippi Landmark in 1996. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997, which means it's a very important historical site.
The Story of Mahned Bridge
The Mahned Bridge was built by a company called the Chicago Bridge & Iron Company. They made the bridge in pieces, like a giant construction set, and then put it together. It was finished in 1903 and was one of the very first bridges to cross the Leaf River in southern Mississippi. The bridge got its name from a small, nearby community called Mahned.
How the Bridge Was Built
The main part of the Mahned Bridge is made of two special iron structures called trusses. These trusses are designed to be very strong and support the bridge. The two types of trusses used here are called Camelback and Pratt trusses. They sit on strong metal supports called caissons, which are filled with concrete to make them extra sturdy.
The two truss sections together are about 335 feet (or 102 meters) long. The part of the bridge where cars used to drive was made of wooden planks and was about 18 feet (or 5.5 meters) wide. However, this wooden deck was removed after the bridge was closed to traffic.
A Popular Spot!
The Mahned Bridge is in a quiet, out-of-the-way place, several miles from the small town of New Augusta. Because it was so far from city lights, it became a favorite spot for high school and college students. They would often go there for star gazing (looking at the stars) and other fun activities. It was a peaceful place to hang out and enjoy nature.
