Bertram in Burnet County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Joppa Iron Truss Bridge
Photographed By Keith Peterson, May 23, 2020
1. Joppa Iron Truss Bridge Marker
The small community of Joppa was established for a church and school in the 1880s. With the growing population in Burnet County and business generated from railroad. The county decided to construct several bridges over waterways throughout the nearby communities. On January 17, 1906, a bond election was held and passed to fund the construction of three truss bridges, including one near the Joppa school and church, the only one still standing of the group.
The total length of the 1907 truss bridge is 136.2 feet, with diagonals constructed according to the Pratt truss design, first developed in 1844 under Thomas and Caleb Pratt. The Joppa iron truss bridge played an important role in the everyday lives of many families in the Joppa Community. Traveling to neighboring towns to conduct business was simplified.
In addition, life on the river and under the bridge was a large form of entertainment and relaxation during the Great Depression and World War II. Access to education also improved with the construction of the Joppa bridge. Before 1900, young people in rural areas were mostly limited to elementary and/or junior high
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The iron truss bridge of Burnet County built in the early 20th century expanded the economic progress of the rural communities, introduced higher education to many young people and broadened opportunities, and also provided a place for entertainment and recreation for the surrounding area.
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 2017
Marker is property of the State of Texas
Erected 2017 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 18764.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. A significant historical year for this entry is 1907.
Location. 30° 48.538′ N, 98° 1.668′ W. Marker is in Bertram, Texas, in Burnet County. Marker is on County Highway 200. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bertram TX 78605, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Russell Fork Iron Truss Bridge (here, next to this marker); Joppa Community (approx. 1.2 miles away); Shady Grove Community (approx. 3.4 miles away); Black's Fort (approx. 4.1 miles away); Bertram School (approx. 4˝ miles away); Bertram Depot (approx. 4.8 miles away); The City of Bertram (approx. 4.8 miles away); Bertram (approx. 4.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bertram.
Photographed By Keith Peterson, May 23, 2020
2. Joppa Iron Truss Bridge and Marker
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Photographed By Keith Peterson, May 23, 2020
3. Joppa Iron Truss Bridge's Manufacturer Plaque
William Dayson Contractor 1907
Credits. This page was last revised on May 25, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2020, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. This page has been viewed 292 times since then and 94 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 24, 2020, by Keith Peterson of Cedar Park, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
