Knights Ferry in Stanislaus County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Knight's Ferry Bridge

National Historic Landmark

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 2, 2014

1. Knight's Ferry Bridge Marker

Inscription. Knight's Ferry Bridge
has been designated a
National Historic
Landmark

This property possesses national significance
in commemorating the history of the
United States of America

Knight’s Ferry Bridge is an exceptionally fine
display of 19th-century covered bridge
construction and an outstanding example of
a timber Howe Truss, one of the most significant
American timber truss types.
2012
National Park Service
United States Department of the Interior

Erected 2012 by National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. In addition, it is included in the Covered Bridges, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists.

Location. 37° 49.215′ N, 120° 39.851′ W. Marker is in Knights Ferry, California, in Stanislaus County. It can be reached from Covered Bridge Road east of Sonora Road (Main Street), on the right when traveling east. Marker is located in the Knights Ferry-Stanislaus River Park, at the north portal of the Knight's Ferry Covered Bridge. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 17968 Covered Bridge Road, Oakdale CA 95361, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the San Joaquin Valley

and specifically in the Central Valley.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Knights Ferry Covered Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Mill House (within shouting distance of this marker); Tulloch’s Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Power Generation (within shouting distance of this marker); The Ancient and Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus (approx. ¼ mile away); Knights Ferry No. 2 (approx. 0.4 miles away); Knights Ferry - The Store (approx. 0.4 miles away); Buena Vista (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Knights Ferry.

Also see . . .
1. The Knights Ferry Bridge. In early 1857 the first bridge spanning the Stanislaus River in Knights Ferry became functional. Spring flooding destroyed the original Knights Ferry Bridge in 1862. The present day covered bridge, built in 1863, spans 330 feet and is the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi. As successful as the building of the new bridge was, however, Knights Ferry’s prosperity that was seen during the gold rush began to fade, as commercial roots began to move closer to Oakdale and Modesto. (Submitted on March 8, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Howe Truss. The Howe Truss was designed by William Howe in 1840. It used mostly wood in construction and was suitable for longer spans than the Pratt truss. Therefore,

Knight's Ferry Bridge Marker • <i>wide view<br>(north portal of bridge in background</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 2, 2014

2. Knight's Ferry Bridge Marker • wide view
(north portal of bridge in background)

it became very popular and was considered one of the best designs for railroad bridges back in the day. Many Howe truss bridges exist in the North West United States, where wood is plentiful. (Submitted on March 8, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Knight's Ferry Bridge (<i>northeast corner view</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 2, 2014

3. Knight's Ferry Bridge (northeast corner view)

Knight's Ferry Bridge Interior image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 2, 2014

4. Knight's Ferry Bridge Interior

Knight's Ferry Bridge South Approach image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 2, 2014

5. Knight's Ferry Bridge South Approach

Knight's Ferry Bridge (<i>west side view</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 2, 2014

6. Knight's Ferry Bridge (west side view)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 460 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 8, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.