South Haven in Van Buren County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Dyckman Avenue Bascule Bridge
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 24, 2017
1. Dyckman Avenue Bascule Bridge Marker
Today, crossing the Black River is a far simpler task than in the past. Early travelers relied on ferryboats to transport them across the river until 1856, when a wooden drawbridge was constructed. From 1889 until 1968, an iron swing bridge connected the north and south banks of the river. The current structure, completed in 1968, was Michigan's first hydraulic bridge.
Erected by SHOUT for South Haven & Michigan Maritime Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts.
Location. 42° 24.403′ N, 86° 16.429′ W. Marker is in South Haven, Michigan, in Van Buren County. Marker is on Dyckman Avenue east of Black River Street, on the right when traveling east. Marker is located beside the sidewalk, near the Michigan Maritime Museum parking lot, and just west of the current South Haven Drawbridge on Dyckman Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven MI 49090, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Wilhelm Baum (a few steps from this marker); Resort Industry (within shouting distance of this marker); Time Capsule (about 300 feet away, measured
this page online
More about this marker. Marker is a large composite plaque, mounted horizontally on waist-high posts. Marker is part of South Haven's Harbor Walk series.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. South Haven Harbor Walk
Also see . . .
1. Dyckman Avenue over Black River: A Movable Bridge Rehabilitation. (This detailed project presentation for rehabilitation of the current bridge contains some historical pictures as well as detailed information about the current bridge.) The Four Movable Bridges at Dyckman Avenue crossing of the Black River: (1) 1856: timber drawbridge, (2) 1877: timber drawbridge, (3) 1890: steel truss swing bridge, and (4) Current bridge, 1967: Double Bascule Span (Submitted on June 25, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. South Haven Harbor Walk
2. Marker detail: Barney H. Dyckman: City Bridge Builder
Barney H. Dyckman (1823-1890), was a South Haven resident who supervised the 1865 construction of the city's first wooden drawbridge. Born in New York, Dyckman served as a captain in the United States Army during the Civil War. Upon returning to South Haven, he became a real estate agent and investor.
3. Marker detail: Accident Closes Bridge in 1941
In 1941, a 45-ton steam shovel caused major damage to the iron swing bridge. A temporary walkway was constructed until the bridge was repaired.
July 24, 2017
4. Marker detail: 1889 Iron Swing Bridge
This iron swing bridge was built in 1889 and replaced by the current bridge in 1968.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 24, 2017
5. Dyckman Avenue Bascule Bridge Marker (wide view; looking across Dyckman Avenue)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 24, 2017
6. South Haven Drawbridge (on right)
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 13, 2022
7. Dyckman Avenue Bascule Bridge Marker
Bridge raised (right) to let a sailboat through (white mast on left).
Credits. This page was last revised on August 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 323 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 25, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 6. submitted on May 20, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 7. submitted on August 29, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
