It was made by Phoenix Bridge Company in 1888 for the crossing of Gienega Creek south of San Jose, California, on the Southern Pacific Company Coast Line. The compression members are segmented wrought iron sections riveted together to form tubes. These sections are similar to the iron framework of the Washington Monument and the columns used to support the first elevated railways in New York City.
When the Southern Pacific Company abandoned the Mill City branch, they gave the bridge to the city. It is now decked over for a footpath.
(http://www.oregoncities.us/millcity/)
George,
I have some records for Southern Pacific trusses built between 1880 and the early 1900s. I will take a look and see what I can come up with and get back to you.
Most sources report that this bridge was originally erected over "Gienega Creek," south of San Jose. I am wondering where that information comes from, if only because there is no "Gienega Creek," in California (nor anywhere else that I can locate). There is a Cienega Creek, near Monterey, CA but I'm not convinced it ever would have required a 120-foot railroad bridge or that one was ever built. Any help would be appreciated!
Art,
I would guess they are talking about the Hayden Bridge. It is the only other Phoenix Column bridge in the state that I am aware of. Plus I know the owner is looking to remove their liability surrounding the structure. As for it being near Cottage Grove, the only thing I can say is on a global scale that statment is correct.
Mike
Great news for this bridge but it mentions that the other Phoenix Column bridge in "Cottage Grove" is being dismantled! Do they mean the Hayden Bridge?!?
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/stayton/201...
Great news for this bridge but it mentions that the other Phoenix Column bridge in "Cottage Grove" is being dismantled! Do they mean the Hayden Bridge?!?
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/local/stayton/201...
I FISHED & PLAYED UNDER THAT BRIDGE WHEN I WAS ABOUT 10 YRS OLD .1960
What a great set of pictures. I love these old Phoenix columns. Maybe these are more common back in the mid west but out here on the West Coast, not so many still stand.
Here are three examples in Northern California, all of which have been relocated at one time in their service. It seems to me, that two of the bridges below may have been in the same original span, I would love to know where and when.
http://bridgehunter.com/ca/mendocino/10C0046/
George,
I looked into the bridge a little. I found a few locations that originally had 120' through trusses erected over them in the 1880s. However, none were Mill Creek or Gienega Creek.