James Creek Bridge

Sadly, Tony is probably right. Hopefully they are safe somewhere.

The plaques are likely missing now Nick. I see in pic #2 where one was on this end, not sure about the other side.

Yes, KSHS found a plaque with the builder, and the date (1878).

Dang!! There's a plaque on it? Not sure how I missed that the 1st time. Just means I have to go back. Yes !!!

Yes, an absolute must save! Pin-connected Warren trusses are rare in general, but this one has some very unusual features, making it even more significant.

As far as I am concerned, every 1870s truss is Nationally significant.

A "MUST" save bridge!

Somehow this old bridge is still holding on even after being abandoned for decades. This one would be a great candidate for preservation on a trail somewhere in the area.

Got here just as the sunlight was starting to fade, but it made for a great shot. Another fun one to explore when the fall colors are out!

KSHS has just uploaded several photos of this bridge onto the KHRI database. Click the link in the first comment. A small plaque on the bridge gives a date of 1878.

1870s bridges don't resurface everyday...Nick has found two, perhaps three of them this year!

Nathan:

Thanks for the input. My changes at KHRI are currently listed as "pending".

Yes, looks like late 1870s Milwaukee to me. In addition to the bridge in Michigan two bridges in Wisconsin use those odd built-up beams.

Pardon the autocorrect typos...

I have just logged in to the KHRI database and updating the listing. The updates should appear on the non - user side within a day or two.

In short, I noted the rarity and high significance of this bridge, using the Michigan example as a reference.

Yes, looks like a miniature New Richmond Bridge to me. The outriggers just appear to be angles instead of cruciform.

No doubt in my mind that this is a rare Milwaukee B&I pinned Warren truss! The ribbon-laced diagonal members are very distinctive and likely inclusive to that firm. I dated the structure ca.1880 based on the New Richmond Bridge having an 1879 build date.

KHS should definitely be alerted concerning the significance of this little span and it's derelict condition. Would be an easy one to move to a park or trail!

Nick:

I would guess that this one was built ca. 1880. It could even be an 1870s bridge, based on its highly unusual details. More specifically, the diagonal members feature ribbon lacing as well as rare iron tubes. Pin - connected Warren trusses in general tend to be older trusses.

All sorted out on photos. Apologies for mix-up....guess on the date of the bridge, all things considered?

Yep....I screwed that up a bit, hang on I will sort it all out and correct, thanks for heads up

Hmmmm.....let me check Robert - thought I had all these sorted out....visited 8 previously unphotographed bridges today....

This does look like it might well be the same design as the New Richmond Bridge in Michigan... Nathan might be the best one to confirm this.

Do you have more pics Nick? Looks like some of the Cross Creek Bridge pics got mixed in here.

Check out this Michigan bridge:

http://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=tr...

Found this little guy today. Posted pin is incorrect - needs to be scooted down under the little fork in the road. Road N of the fork is unreachable and cut off from this dilapidated pony and from overgrowth. Cute old thing - neat survivor.

New Google imagery still does not indicate status one way or the other. If the bridge ran N-S, it may be hiding in the trees. This is/was a very bizarre and unusual Warren pony bedstead.

KSHS Page

http://khri.kansasgis.org/index.cfm?tab=details&in=085-0000-...