Sugarloaf Bridge - Milam County, TX - Orphaned Bridges on Waymarking.com

Complementing this sign is a Texas Historical Marker about nearby Sugarloaf Mountain, important to both the Native Americans and the pioneers. Both stand on a concrete base in granite holders -- this sign was stolen back in 2009, and this is probably a protective measure -- and the bridge sign reads:

The Sugarloaf Bridge is a 234-foot long, pin-connected Parker through truss bridge located over the Little River near historic Sugarloaf Mountain in Milam County. Parker trusses such as this one, were developed by C.H. Parker in a series of patents filed between 1868 and 1871. The truss span used for this bridge was originally erected in 1896 over the Brazos River on the Bryan-Caldwell Road in Brazos County. The span was relocated to its present Milam County site in 1940.

The original bridge on the Bryan-Caldwell Road had been constructed at the site of the Pitts Ferry Crossing by the Brazos River Bridge Company as part of a multi-span toll bridge. In 1909 it was purchased by Brazos County and continued in use as a free bridge until 1930, when the Texas Highway Department constructed State Highway 21. The bridge was abandoned upon completion of a new Brazos River crossing on SH 21.

Meanwhile in Milam County the Faubion Bridge was located on an early route known as "Ramons Road" about a mile upstream from the present day Sugarloaf bridge. It was the only crossing of the Little River in the area. After the Faubion Bridge fell into the river in December of 1937, Milam County hired the Austin Bridge Company to move one of the spans of the old abandoned Brazos River Bridge and erect it here near the base of Sugarloaf Mountain.

In 2006 this bridge was restored by the Texas Department of Transportation using Federal Highway Administration transportation enhancement funds. The bridge continues its transportation legacy as a pedestrian bridge and continues to stand as an early landmark of Texas history with a heritage proudly shared by the people of both Brazos and Milam Counties.

Project Year 2006

----

There is plenty of parking to be found at the south end of the bridge, although it can be a bit muddy. Over on the north side is a path leading away from the bridge, ultimately taking you to the road, and there is another crude path nearby to take you down to the river. This appears to be the only "easy" way down, and getting down to the east side, or the south bank, will require effort. Be wary of slippery mud, although those who have came before have placed a piece of rope to help in your ascent.

Original Use: Vehicle - Car / Truck Date Built: 1896 Construction: Iron Condition: Good See this website for more information: [Web Link] Date Abandoned: Pre-2006 Bridge Status - Orphaned or Adopted.: Adopted

Visit Instructions:
Tell of your visit and post unique photo(s).

Recent Visits/Logs:

There are no logs for this waymark yet.