Friday, November 26, 2010

58. The Historic Lincoln Highway Bridge


Tama, Iowa

September 21, 2010

Constructed in 1915, this bridge became an advertisement for the Lincoln Highway, the first successful effort to mark, promote, and build an automobile highway spanning the United States. The highway was initiated in 1913 (as a memorial to the martyred president, the Lincoln Highway linked Iowa to both coasts and crossed the state by way of Tama. Motorists today can travel the original route through the city by following signs that begin at the bridge and continue west on 5th Street. Guard rails spelling the name on both sides make this a unique bridge on the Lincoln Highway. On March 30, 1978 the bridge was listed on the national register of historic places and community donations paid for its restoration in 1987. It stands as a dramatic reminder of a time when few roads were paved and the campaign to “get out of the mud” had just begun”. On a plaque at the bridge

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