Funny thing I have noticed is that the South appeared to run a little behind in the changes in bridge design (The Lattice truss covered bridges built in the 1930's in Blount County being the most prominent example). So, this bridge with portals that look 1890-1900 range in the Midwest might be 1910-1920 circa for this location.
Certainly if it were still sitting on any kind of a substructure, that might help to date the span.
Based on the portal bracing and lightweight construction, I am going to guess that this bridge might have been built between 1890 and 1900.
Elise,
My guess is that the structure was built before World War I; it could have been built before 1900.
Regards,
Art S.
I have walked down that creek and looked over all of that bridge. It is beautiful, I have tried digging dirt from around the base of every end of the structures and can not find any dates. Does anyone know when this was built?
Certainly a good possibility James. If so, I am amazed that it has stayed upright all of these years with no foundation to support it.
Yep, this bridge is old. It cannot be seen by Google Earth or anything like that since it is hidden in the woods. The only reason I know its there is because I lived in that area for most of my life and know of the bridge's presence. I'm wondering...and maybe you (Mr. Dillon, or any one else) can agree that when the new bridge (1958) was built they just took the truss and "disgarded" it to the side of the new bridge where it straddles the creek now. Just a guess. Anyway, any more info on this bridge is welcome. Also, any takers for a restoration? This bridge is certainly free for the taking.
Hi........me again!
I was just looking at the NBI data and the current CR41 span was built in 1958......so the old girl has been abandoned for 53 years.
Is it me or is this bridge just sitting on the ground?
I see no evidence of a substructure here.
Very unique verticals formed from 2 sets of paired angles with the lacing sandwiched in between.
Could be a rather old bridge.
Talk about being reclaimed by Mother Nature......pic #11 says it all!
I went down to the creek with my friend today and took these pictures. We have dug all around as deep as we could and can find nothing.It's our most favorite place to go to, quiet and peaceful. In 1 picture you can see the current County Rd. 41 in the back round, although you may need a magnifying glass to see it. The only other resource we know that we can possibly find any other additional information would by the Public Library.