University Park in Dayton in Montgomery County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Morrison Iron Bridge

Photographed by Craig Doda, May 22, 2021

1. Morrison Iron Bridge Marker

Inscription.
Columbia Bridge Works founder, David H. Morrison, was Dayton's city engineer. Considered the father of Dayton's public works, he significantly improved the city's infrastructure.

Most of this bridge's fabrication took place at the Columbia Bridge Works' shop in Dayton. The pieces were then assembled on site with the help of neighboring farmers, who would ultimately benefit from it by connecting them to the markets in the nearby villages. The bridge was also an important link to the social, religious and educational activities in the area.

Although better than an all-wood bridge, the iron bridge's wooden floors posed problems. Wagons, and later automobiles, made a terrific noise when crossing and neighbors would often have to fasten loose boards back into place.

Built in 1881 in Dayton and assembled over Tom's Run on Gratis Road near Farmersville, Ohio.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.

Location. 39° 43.717′ N, 84° 12.202′ W. Marker is in Dayton, Ohio, in Montgomery County. It is in University Park. It can be reached from Carillon Boulevard 0.3 miles west of Patterson Boulevard, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Carillon Blvd, Dayton OH 45409, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Miami Valley. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: James F. Dicke Family Transportation Center (a few steps from this marker); Canal Superintendent's Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Miami and Erie Canal Lock No. 17 (within shouting distance of this marker); Dayton Cyclery (within shouting distance of this marker); Smith Covered Bridge (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bowling Green Depot (about 300 feet away); The Story of Brethen Tower & The Callahan Building Clock (about 400 feet away); The Great 1913 Flood Exhibit Building (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dayton.

Photographed by Craig Doda, May 22, 2021

2. Morrison Iron Bridge Marker

Morrison Iron Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, May 22, 2021

3. Morrison Iron Bridge

Detail of the top of the Morrison Iron Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Doda, May 22, 2021

4. Detail of the top of the Morrison Iron Bridge

Credits. This page was last revised on February 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 23, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 403 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 23, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.