Gainesboro in Jackson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

The Austin Peay Bridge

Photographed By Darren Jefferson Clay, August 21, 2021

1. The Austin Peay Bridge Marker

Inscription.
The Austin Peay Bridge once spanned the river here. Built in 1928 by Montgomery and Parker of Rockport, Indiana, and the Nashville Bridge Company for the Tennessee Department of Highways and Public Works, the bridge replaced a nearby ferry crossing. It was named in honor of Governor Austin Peay, Tennessee's “Road Building Governor.”

Before its demolition in 1994 the Austin Peay Bridge contained 3 trusses composed of steel members in triangular patterns which distributed weight allowing the bridge to carry loads. The main span was a rare K-truss, named for its “K” configuration.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2D 34.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.

Location. 36° 22.357′ N, 85° 39.139′ W. Marker is in Gainesboro, Tennessee, in Jackson County. Marker is at the intersection of State Highway 56 and State Highway 85, on the right when traveling south on State Highway 56. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 102 Highway 85, Gainesboro TN 38562, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow

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flies. Cumberland River Campaign (approx. ¾ mile away); Confederate Field Hospital (approx. 1.1 miles away); Jamie Dailey (approx. 1.2 miles away); Alvan Cullen Gillem (approx. 1.2 miles away); Orion Clemens (approx. 1.3 miles away); Michaux's Discovery (approx. 1.3 miles away); Judge John Jordan Gore (approx. 3.1 miles away); Flynn Creek Impact Crater (approx. 6½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gainesboro.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 4, 2020

2. The Austin Peay Bridge Marker

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 4, 2020

3. The Austin Peay Bridge Marker

The Austin Peay Bridge image. Click for full size.

Historic American Engineering Record, 1990

4. The Austin Peay Bridge

Courtesy Library of Congress

Credits. This page was last revised on September 24, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 323 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 23, 2021, by Darren Jefferson Clay of Duluth, Georgia. 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 6, 2020, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.