War Eagle Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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War Eagle Bridge
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War Eagle Bridge and mill, 1988
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 Location in Arkansas
Location in the United States
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| Location | War Eagle, Arkansas, 11045 War Eagle Mill Road (CR 98) off AR 12 |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1907 |
| Built by | Illinois Steel Bridge Co. |
| Architectural style | Parker through truss |
| NRHP reference No. | 85003497 |
| Added to NRHP | November 19, 1985 |
The War Eagle Bridge is a special old bridge in War Eagle, Arkansas. It's so important that it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a historic site worth protecting!
About the Bridge
The War Eagle Bridge is a single-lane bridge made of steel. It crosses over the War Eagle Creek. The bridge was built in 1907. It sits right next to the famous War Eagle Mill, a historic gristmill.
How It Looks
This bridge is a type called a Parker truss bridge. It's pretty unique because it's the only one of its kind in northwest Arkansas. It's also one of only seventeen steel truss bridges in the whole state. The main part of the bridge stretches about 182 feet (about 55 meters).
When it was first built, the bridge had stone supports on the east side. It also had wooden planks for the road surface. In 1982, these stone parts were updated with stronger concrete.
Bridge History
The spot where the War Eagle Bridge now stands has been used for a long time. People used to cross the creek here by walking or riding through a shallow area called a ford. This was happening as early as the 1830s!
Early Days and the Mill
In 1832, a man named Sylvanus Blackburn built a two-story log house nearby. He also built a mill on the other side of the creek. This mill was very important for the area. By the early 1900s, the mill was making a lot of flour every day. People needed an easier way to get their goods to market.
Building the Bridge
To help with transportation, the War Eagle Bridge was built in 1907. The Illinois Steel Bridge Co. from Jacksonville, Illinois built it. The cost was about $4,790 back then. That would be a lot more money today!
The bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 19, 1985. This helps make sure this important piece of history is kept safe for future generations.
