Tartar's Ferry Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Tarter's Ferry Bridge
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2012 view of the abandoned bridge, facing west
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 Location in Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Location | Fulton County, Illinois |
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| Nearest city | Smithfield |
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | ca. 1880 |
| Architectural style | Pin connected Parker through truss |
| MPS | MPL011 - Metal Highway Bridges of Fulton County Thematic Resources |
| NRHP reference No. | 80001363 |
| Added to NRHP | October 29, 1980 |
The Tarter's Ferry Bridge was a special bridge in Fulton County, Illinois. It was one of nine metal bridges in the area that were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important places in the United States that are worth saving.
This bridge was a type called a "Parker through truss." It helped carry Tarter Ferry Road over the Spoon River near Smithfield, Illinois. It was built around 1880, which means it was over 100 years old!
A Historic Bridge
The Tarter's Ferry Bridge became famous on October 29, 1980. On that day, it was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. It was part of a group called "Metal Highway Bridges of Fulton County."
Bridges in Smithfield
The Tarter's Ferry Bridge was one of three historic bridges near Smithfield, Illinois. The other two were the Bernadotte Bridge and the Buckeye Bridge. Sadly, the Buckeye Bridge is no longer standing. Another bridge, the Elrod Bridge, was also taken down.
Other important bridges, like the Duncan Mills Bridge, are found in different parts of Fulton County. These bridges tell us a lot about how people traveled long ago.
The Bridge's End
The Tarter's Ferry Bridge had been abandoned for many years. This means it was no longer used for cars or people to cross. In the spring of 2013, a big flood happened. The strong water washed the bridge away from its supports.
You can learn more about this bridge on the Bridgehunter website.
