Markland Bridge

slightly off subject, just over the state line is hamilton county, ohio, which may have the worst record in the nation regarding historic bridge salvation/destruction. several of the gorgeous old truss bridges over the ohio at cincinnati (notably the central and the l&n) now are history, depriving a once-classy city of much of its charm. meanwhile, state and county are sparing no expense to take down the old 1890s truss bridges (warrens and pratts) and replace them with slabs. it is a crime.

ohio and indiana once were america's industrial backbone -- seems every town in both states had an automobile works, some sort of significant heavy enterprise, or a wooodworks of reknown. these old trusses are among the last remnants standing. they make you proud of what we were, and their loss makes you less proud of where we're going . . .

For those who may not be aware of this fact; I have been told by a very reliable source that a covered bridge preceeded the iron bridge and when he was there in the summer of 2008 he found what looked to be an abutment on the west bank.

"WARNING!!!

DO NOT CROSS THIS BRIDGE IF YOU ARE STUPID!"

There. That oughtta take care of it.

So, they raised the liability issue again? I suppose that in our sue-happy society, a simple sign absolving the county of liability just would not be adequate.

The loss of this bridge was a pure and simple example of a game of bureaucratic chicken! The Democratic commissioner that wanted to save the bridge cowered to the two Republican commissioners, instead of doing what was right. And the Hysterical Society (oh.....I'm sorry Historical Society) that should not even exist if they don't intend to fight for such a cause, would not take on the commissioners because they were threatened with the loss of casino revenues.

It has been a year since this irreplaceable landmark went down. Obviously to some of us the wound still exists from a senseless act that should have never happened. Let's just hope enough of the people in Switzerland County, Indiana have had their fill of the ignorance of their elected officials.

Unfortunately, this same scenario has played out in other locations across the country, and in other parts of the world.

In a telephone conversation a few days ago with an avid fan of the iron bridge I told this person that I am still having issues with the demolition of the Log Lick Creek bridge. Today I went through some news items dating back to 2004 that I felt were worthy of keeping and ran across one that I felt I should share with bridge lovers. On Feb. 1, 2004 the Switzerland Co (In.) commissioners, (and I'm reasonably certain that these are the same 3 that underminded the Markland Bridge.), unanimously approved and signed a contract to have a six-sided brick privy(c1864)moved a few yards. This was done at a cost of $13,000.00.

Historic Landmarks Foundation of Indiana approved of this move calling it a landmark latrine. I am not as much opposed at keeping the old latrine as I am in what would cause them to choose one over the other. Personally,I think their choice stinks. (not intended as a pun). They spent $21,800.00 to wreck the old bridge and $13,000.00 to save an outhouse??? I'm open to suggestions if someone wants to try and enlighten me on how a brick outhouse is a keeper and a wrought iron bridge is something to cut and let fall into the creek.

So true Harold. The Markland Bridge is a sad reminder that a bridge can sit abandoned for decades, and still not be safe from demolition. In this case government officials with more power than they deserve, clearly showed just how ignorant they can be. The word ASININE just keeps coming back to me.

This is just unreal!

The Brooksburg bridge is located in Jefferson County. It may be private owned, but don't quote me on that.

The commissioners claim liability was their reason for having it taken down. After sitting abandoned for 30+ years, suddenly liability is an issue? Give me a break!!

Wow, I really can't believe this, there was absolutely no reason at all for this bridge to be torn down. Stupidity that's all it is. Is the Brooksburg bridge next?

Harold

I'm absolutely disgusted to hear this. I was on that bridge several years ago. Being wrought iron, it didn't have any rust issues (other than surface rust). A new deck would have been all it needed to get by. I thought about writing your commissioners, but since I'm not a local I figure it would fall on deaf ears. I just hope enough people remember this when it comes time for re-election.

Tony

The county commissioners paid $21,800 to have the bridge demolished.One resident of the county offered to put a new deck and stringers on it at no cost to the county. Received no contact from commissioners. One commissioner was quoted as saying he didn't care about the bridge, didn't care about it being historical, just wanted it gone.

This is a horribly idiotic case of demolition to tear down a 127 year old historic Whipple Truss Bridge after if survived many floods and never collapsed. The bridge was not blocking a public road. Probably the rotted deck was used as an excuse that someone would fall through. Just along the lines of what Tony said, all that could have been done was cleaning and painting, replacing worn away parts, and a new deck installed. The commissioners probably can't tell a black and white cat from a skunk. My parents had a summer home just north of the bridge and I can remember looking at the bridge and envisioning it as a restored bridge. I've had the idea that some groups wanted to see the bridge restored. This has to be one of the worst acts of historic bridge demolition in Indiana in years.

What an absolute waste! I don't know what they paid to take it down, but they could have put a new deck on it and made a neat pedestrian bridge out of it. Being as it was wrought iron, I doubt the trusses were in that bad of shape. Another Whipple truss thrown away!

Sad to say, but the old bridge is gone. It was taken down late 2008. There were attempts at trying to talk the commissioners out of demolition, but to no avail. The local Historical Society(as a group) did nothing to try to save it.

Here is a picture of the deck taken on Febuary 16th, 2008 for those who are interested in the current condition of the bridge.

Was this bridge really open in 2000!?

I too, would like to see this bridge restored, but I think that's wishful thinking. The bridge was by-passed in 1975 when the road and concrete bridge was built closer to the river. The bridge sits on old SR 156. just outside of Markland.

This is a Wrought Iron Bridge Co. Whipple truss that was abandoned a long time ago. I was down there years ago and there was grass growing on the deck. Would be a neat one to restore.