Fernbridge in Humboldt County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Fernbridge

Photographed By James King, February 8, 2014

1. Fernbridge Marker

Inscription. Dedicated on November 16, 1911 and affectionately known as the "Queen of Bridges", it was the longest reinforced concrete arch structure in the world at the time of its construction. The bridge was designed by John B. Leonard, Civil Engineer, license No. 12, with assistance from county surveyor George W. Conners.

The bridge is 24 feet wide with seven 195-foot arches and is 1,451 feet in length. Originally it had a gravel driving course with 500-foot timber trestle approaches. These were replaced in 1920 with reinforced concrete and pavement. The abutments and piers sit on 150 timber piles, each to a depth of 50 feet below the water line. In 1911 the cost to construct the bridge was $245,967.

The bridge has endured many floods, including the massive flood of 1964. In 1992 the bridge withstood three major earthquakes, one of which was over 7.0 in magnitude.

The "Queen of Bridges" continues to be a stalwart structure for the Eel River Valley.

Erected 2011 by Ferndale Parlor #93, Native Sons of the Golden West.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. In addition, it is included in the ASCE Civil Engineering Landmarks, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1892.

Location. 40° 36.961′ N, 124° 12.105′ W. Marker is in Fernbridge, California, in Humboldt County. Marker is at the intersection of California Route 211 and Depot

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Street, on the left when traveling south on State Route 211. Depot St. is little more than a gravel driveway off of Hwy 211. Traveling northwest on Fernbridge Drive (parallel to Hwy 101), turn left on Hwy 211, go about 100 feet and the monument will be directly on your left. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fortuna CA 95540, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bank of Loleta (approx. 2.1 miles away); Fortuna Rodeo Grounds Grandstand (approx. 2.9 miles away); The First California Central Creamery (approx. 3.6 miles away); The Eel River Starts on Your Street (approx. 3.6 miles away); Cape Mendocino Lighthouse Lenses (approx. 3.9 miles away); Ferndale (approx. 3.9 miles away); The Shaw House (approx. 4.1 miles away); The House That Troy Built (approx. 4.1 miles away).

Regarding Fernbridge. National Register of Historic Places, and a California Historic Civil Engineering Landmark (1976).

Fernbridge Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James King, February 8, 2014

2. Fernbridge Monument

(l-r)NSGW Grand Trustee Kristofer Nelson, Nicasio Parlor #183 member Dan Foppe and Grand Trustee Carey Pearce. The north or northeast approach to the bridge is visible in the background on the right.

Photographed By Craig Baker, 2017

3. Fernbridge

Historic Civil Engineering Landmark image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Baker, 2017

4. Historic Civil Engineering Landmark

Fernbridge c1910 image. Click for full size.

5. Fernbridge c1910

Fernbridge Panoramic c1912 image. Click for full size.

6. Fernbridge Panoramic c1912

Fernbridge c1912 image. Click for full size.

7. Fernbridge c1912

Fernbridge c1915 image. Click for full size.

8. Fernbridge c1915

Fernbridge - heading east towards the marker. image. Click for full size.

July 31, 2016

9. Fernbridge - heading east towards the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2014, by James King of San Miguel, California. This page has been viewed 2,655 times since then and 195 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 21, 2014, by James King of San Miguel, California. 3, 4. submitted on August 5, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on February 21, 2014, by James King of San Miguel, California. 9. submitted on September 2, 2018. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.