Fulton Township in Whiteside County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Illinois Lincoln Highway
A Link to the West
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 8, 2023
1. Illinois Lincoln Highway Marker
When the newly paved road connected to the Lyons Fulton Bridge it became the “Official Crossing” of the Lincoln Highway over the Mississippi River located between Fulton, Illinois and Lyons, Iowa. This connection opened up an ease in travel for all those desiring to head out to the nation's west, allowing new freedom for commerce and tourism.
The bridge was described as a splendid steel structure with every precaution taken against accident or danger and available for crossing 24 hours a day. Visitors came upon the tall bridge and for a twenty-cent toll were allowed to continue on the transcontinental road across the river. The once cumbersome crossing by ferry boat was now replaced by a few minutes' drive in their vehicle.
(Caption) Anyone crossing the bridge had a remarkable view of the river and its bordering states, making the Lyons Fulton Bridge a popular stop on their journey. The majestic Mississippi scene was a draw for those wishing to capture the perfect photo from the ideal spot atop the bridge, often stopping traffic as tourists got out of their vehicles to set up their cameras!
Erected by Illinois
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Lincoln Highway series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.
Location. 41° 52.019′ N, 90° 10.014′ W. Marker is in Fulton, Illinois, in Whiteside County. It is in Fulton Township. Marker is at the intersection of 10th Avenue and 3rd Street, on the left when traveling west on 10th Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fulton IL 61252, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Illinois Lincoln Highway (here, next to this marker); The Lincoln Highway – The nation's first coast-to-coast highway! (here, next to this marker); Lincoln Highway (here, next to this marker); Dement House (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fulton: A River Town (about 500 feet away); The Dutch on the River (about 500 feet away); The Market Place (about 700 feet away); Modern Woodmen (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fulton.
Regarding Illinois Lincoln Highway. The bridge, officially called the Lyons-Fulton High Bridge, opened amid great fanfare on July 4, 1891. Lincoln Highway planners routed the road across the Mississippi
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 8, 2023
2. Illinois Lincoln Highway Marker
Featured marker is visible on the left inside the gazebo.
Also see . . . Remembering the Lyons-Fulton High Bridge. On Opening Day, July 4, 1891, over 23,000 people crossed the new bridge beginning with a parade of officials, marching bands, fraternal organizations, and firemen. (Barbara Mask for The Clinton Herald, March 15, 2019) (Submitted on August 10, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Henry Peter Bosse, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, via Wikipedia (Public Domain), circa 1891
3. The Lyons-Fulton Bridge
The bridge was built primarily to carry wagon traffic but also was used by horse riders, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 10, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 49 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 10, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
