1st Petit Jean Bridge (at Magazine)

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Charles: You are correct on the old photograph. I have had it in my collection for a while along with others waiting to put in my history on this bridge. Just finished a 20 page history on the CAROLAN BRIDGE and hope to write this one soon. This was originally called the "ESTEP FORD BRIDGE", named after the original land owner at that ford. When the original town of Mazazine was moved south to where the railroad was constructed in 1899, F. A.Estep donated part of his land to the City of Mazazine. Bridge built in 1909 by the Ilinois Steel Bridge Company. ALL THIS IS DOCUMENTED. Bridge histories available at Booneville Public Library.

Have determined that long ago black and white photo was indeed taken at the south portal of this bridge and have added it here.

I currently have 1 more Magazine bridge photo to post, it is from the deck looking out a portal. It looks to be from 100 years ago or more and is not labeled. At this time i have not been able to discern if it is the 1st bridge or Kilburn bridge but will try to determine soon and post it here.

In photo #1 with the timber removed from hillside the roadbed and original immediate left from south portal can be seen.

Thanks. Anxious to see them. Someone else seemed interested in this, but never followed thru on any update.

I am hoping soon to have some photos of this bridge posted courtesy of Norris Westmorland and Jamie Mott.

I'm doing extentive research and gathering old photographs of all Logan County Steel Truss Bridges. Does anyone have any old photographs of ANY of the Petit Jean River Bridges? Also searching for any historical data and fascinating old stories pertaining to these bridges. Please contact:

THANX,

GHOSTBRIDGEHUNTER

Does anyone out there in "Bridge Land" have any photographs of this old bridge? I'm currently doing research on Logan County Bridges and would be happy to receive any old photographs and stories of interest. Please contact:

THANX,

GHOSTBRIDGEHUNTER

no photos of this lost beauty, all i can do is leave a story or two. my father told me a few weeks ago something i never knew. in my life - at the southern portal of this bridge, the road began ascending up & over Potts ridge where the road had been cut through the hillside. but that was not always the case. from the bridges construction until the 1950's the road originally made an immdeiate left turn exiting the south portal and going along the ridge east to the gap in the ridge at billy goat bluff. my father on horseback with some other cow hands drove cattle across this old pratt through truss wooden deck bridge at times. the north approach to this bridge cruved about 5 degrees to the east, and sadly on new years 1950, a Mr. Adair was killed when his car plunged through the railing on the approach.