Near Marshall in Clark County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Fancher Pony Truss Bridge
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 29, 2012
1. Fancher Pony Truss Bridge Marker
Hiram B. Trout and his brother, Everett Trout, were born on a farm about five miles north of this location. They operated a machine shop in Shelbyville, Illinois in the late 1800’s at which in time they invented and patented the unique design for this Pony Truss bridge. They built about 150 of these bridges between 1892 and 1897 which were erected in Shelby and neighboring counties. The design feature which makes this bridge unique is the use of round pipe in the top chords, end posts, and verticals instead of the usual rivet connected channel plates, and angle iron material. This bridge was erected on a township road near the small community of Fancher in Shelby County. It was in service for 88 years from 1895 until 1983 when it was reduced in width from 16 to 8 feet and moved 70 miles to this location for preservation by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Erected by Illinois Department of Transportation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Bridges & Viaducts • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.
Location. 39° 25.373′ N, 87° 39.621′ W. Marker is near
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Marshall (approx. 2.8 miles away); James Jones 1921-77 (approx. 2.8 miles away); The Archer House (approx. 2.8 miles away); Harlan Hall Opera House (approx. 2.9 miles away); Harlan Hall (approx. 3 miles away); You Are Not Forgotten (approx. 3 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 3 miles away); Don Stepp (approx. 3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marshall.
Also see . . .
1. Bridge Basics. PGH Bridges website entry (Submitted on September 9, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Pony Truss Bridges. temp u/a; 05/04/2023 LPG. (Submitted on September 9, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 29, 2012
2. Fancher Pony Truss Bridge and Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 29, 2012
3. Fancher Pony Truss Bridge
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 29, 2005
4. Fancher Pony Truss Bridge
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 29, 2005
5. Cumberland Road Rest Area
Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,137 times since then and 51 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 9, 2012, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 4. submitted on June 30, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 5. submitted on June 28, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
