Falls Township in Cottonwood Falls in Chase County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Cottonwood River Bridges at Cottonwood Falls
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., February 19, 2011
1. Cottonwood River Bridges at Cottonwood Falls Marker
The first major bridge at Cottonwood Falls was a 150 foot long iron truss bridge constructed in 1872. The iron bridge was just west of the present arch bridge.
The present bridge was constructed in 1914 by the Missouri Valley Bridge and Iron Company of Leavenworth, Kansas for $13,700. The bridge is one of three reinforced masonry, earth filled arch bridges still standing in Kansas, that are based on design principles developed and patented by Daniel B. Luten, a consulting engineer from LaFayette, Indiana. Luten-style bridges were usually of graceful proportions, trimmed in cut stone with ornate rails, spindles and handsome lights.
A 1915 photo shows the arch bridge and the iron bridge with a horse drawn trolley in the foreground. The trolley operated on railroad tracks within the brick surface of the road between Cottonwood Falls and Strong City between 1886 and 1919.
This bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and on the Register of Historic Kansas Places.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.
Location. 38° 22.516′ N, 96° 32.461′ W. Marker is in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, in Chase County. It is in Falls Township. It can be
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Kansas’ Flint Hills. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cottonwood River Dam (here, next to this marker); Bates Grove and the Area Adjacent to the Cottonwood River Dam (here, next to this marker); Chase County and the City of Cottonwood Falls (here, next to this marker); Connecting the Chase County Community (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Oldest Operating Courthouse in Kansas (approx. 0.3 miles away); Chase County War Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); A Landmark of Distinction (approx. 0.3 miles away); Chase County All Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cottonwood Falls.
Also see . . . Cottonwood River Bridge. National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form (Submitted on August 4, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., February 19, 2011
2. Cottonwood River Bridges at Cottonwood Falls Marker
Looking southwest across the Cottonwood River Bridge
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., February 19, 2011
3. 1914 Cottonwood River Bridge Builder's Plate
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., February 19, 2011
4. 2007 Cottonwood River Bridge Plate
Credits. This page was last revised on April 10, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 945 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 4, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 3, 4. submitted on August 6, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
