Fort Worth in Tarrant County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Paddock Viaduct

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 26, 2025

1. Paddock Viaduct Marker

Inscription. Low-water crossing and ferries originally provided the only access across the Trinity River at this location, connecting the downtown area of Fort Worth with northern sections of the city. A two-lane suspension bridge, constructed near this site in the 1890s, proved inadequate for the growing population. This span, designed by the St. Louis firm of Brenneke and Fay, was built in 1914. It was the first reinforced concrete arch in the nation to use self-supporting, reinforcing steel. The bridge is named in honor of B.B. Paddock, former State Legislator and Mayor of the City.

Erected 1980 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3905.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.

Location. 32° 45.526′ N, 97° 20.06′ W. Marker is in Fort Worth, Texas, in Tarrant County. It is on North Main Street north of E Bluff St. The marker is located on the footpath under southwest side of bridge. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 126 N Main St, Fort Worth TX 76102, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region.

It is also in the American South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: First School (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Fort Worth Hotel (about 300 feet away); Steel's Tavern Oaks

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(about 400 feet away); Tarrant County Criminal Courts Building (about 500 feet away); Site of the First Masonic Hall in Fort Worth (about 500 feet away); The Site of Camp Worth (about 500 feet away); Fort Worth (about 500 feet away); Fort Worth 1849-1853 (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fort Worth.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 26, 2025

2. Paddock Viaduct Marker

Paddock Viaduct image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 26, 2025

3. Paddock Viaduct

Paddock Viaduct Texas Historic Civil Engineering Landmark plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, October 26, 2025

4. Paddock Viaduct Texas Historic Civil Engineering Landmark plaque

Paddock Viaduct Constructed 1912-14. The Paddock Viaduct was the first reinforced concrete arch bridge in the United States to use self-supporting reinforcing steel.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 106 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 27, 2025, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.