Woolsey Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Woolsey Bridge
|
|
Woolsey Bridge, 2011 (facing northwest)
|
|
 Location in Arkansas
Location in the United States
|
|
| Nearest city | Woolsey, Arkansas |
|---|---|
| Area | Washington County |
| Built | 1925 |
| Architectural style | Two pin-connected, 8-panel Parker through trusses |
| MPS | Historic Bridges of Arkansas MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 00000637 |
| Added to NRHP | June 9, 2000 |
The Woolsey Bridge is a special old bridge built in 1925. It's located near West Fork, Arkansas, and it crosses the West Fork of the White River. This bridge is also known as the Washington County Road 35 Bridge and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because it's an important part of history. It used to carry County Route 35, stretching about 303 feet (92 meters) long.
A Look Back: The Bridge's Story
The Woolsey Bridge is important because it's the only bridge left in its area built in a unique style called the "camelback" design. This special design makes it a rare and valuable piece of engineering history. Because it's so well-preserved and unique, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 9, 2000.
How Was the Woolsey Bridge Designed?
In the early 1900s, bridge builders knew that the "Pratt truss" design was strong and affordable. The Woolsey Bridge uses a special kind of Pratt truss called a "camelback through truss." This design was created by Charles H. Parker.
What makes a camelback truss different? Its top part isn't flat like most bridges. Instead, it curves up in the middle, like a camel's hump! This shape makes the bridge stronger in the center. However, this design is also more complicated to build, which is why you don't see many of them. The Woolsey Bridge was likely built in 1925 by local workers from the county.
What's Happening with the Bridge Now?
The Woolsey Bridge was closed to all traffic in January 2015. It was planned to be replaced around that time. The good news is that the bridge has been carefully taken apart. It will be restored and put back together as a bridge just for people to walk on. A new, modern bridge has taken its place for cars and trucks.
