Truesdell truss
View Exhibit mapLucius E. Truesdell patented a cast iron and wrought iron truss design in 1859. The main point of his patent was in how the diagonals in a lattice-type are fastened together. Truesdell felt the holes through the truss members necessary for fastening them together caused an unacceptable weakness. His solution was to have the overlapping diagonals bent at the intersection so the two pieces would interlock. A cast iron clamp holds the diagonal together. His design was awarded patent number 24068.
In appearance, the Truesdell truss looks like a triple-intersecting warren with verticals.
Canal Street Bridge (Hartford County, Connecticut)
A Truesdell patent bridge in the Collins Axe Company yardReplaced by a new bridge
Dixon Truesdell Bridge (Lee County, Illinois)
Built in 1869, collapsed 1873 May 4 during a baptism in the river. Spectators were on the bridge when it collapsed, killing about 45 people.Lost Truesdell pony truss bridge over Rock RiverCollapsed in 1873
Elkader Truesdell Bridge (Clayton County, Iowa)
Built 1851; Replaced 1889Lost Truesdell Truss bridge over Turkey River on RoadReplaced by a new bridge
Main Street Bridge (Older) (Floyd County, Iowa)
Built 1870; Re-decked 1882; Condemned 1892 and likely replaced that same yearLost Truesdell through truss bridge over Cedar River on Main StreetReplaced by a new bridge
Mystic River Swing Bridge (1866) (New London County, Connecticut)
Built 1866; Replaced 1904Lost Truesdell truss bridge over Mystic River on West Main Street in MysticNo longer exists
Spring Street Bridge (Tolland County, Connecticut)
Built 19th century; probably lasted until 1912 replacement.Lost Truesdell pony truss bridge over Middle River on Spring Street in Stafford SpringsReplaced by a new bridge
Tilton Island Park Bridge (Belknap County, New Hampshire)
Built 1881Truesdell pony truss bridge over Winnipesautee River on Pedestrian TrailOpen to pedestrians
Trumbull Street Footbridge (1864) (Hartford County, Connecticut)
Built 1864; replaced 1915Lost Truesdell pony truss bridge over Park River on Footpath to Bushnell Park in Hartford.Replaced by a new bridge