Near Chicago Park in Nevada County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Old Bear River Bridge

Photographed By Alvis Hendley, December 16, 2013

1. Old Bear River Bridge Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Since 1952 bridges near this site have served as the gateway to western Nevada County. This 1924 span was the first concrete bridge at this site and features a Roman style single arch design, constructed in a continuous pour method. The Colfax Highway Association led a citizens group that saved the bridge from the wrecker's ball in 1986, and placed this monument in 1992.

Erected 1992 by Colfax Highway Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. A significant historical year for this entry is 1952.

Location. 39° 7.885′ N, 120° 57.544′ W. Marker is near Chicago Park, California, in Nevada County. Marker is at the intersection of Colfax Highway (California Route 174), on the left when traveling south on Colfax Highway. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20010, Chicago Park CA 95712, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Truckee Trail - Forks Right & Left (approx. 1.4 miles away); Cape Horn Promontory (approx. 1.9 miles away); Jacob Keck, Sr.

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(approx. 2.1 miles away); a different marker also named Jacob Keck, Sr. (approx. 2.1 miles away); Colfax Freight Depot (approx. 2.1 miles away); The Railhead Saloon (approx. 2.1 miles away); John Butler, Druggist (approx. 2.1 miles away); Illinoistown Lodge No. 51 (approx. 2.1 miles away).

More about this marker. Marker is in a small parking area just off the highway near the bridge.

Photographed By Alvis Hendley, December 16, 2013

2. Old Bear River Bridge Marker

New Bridge and Old Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Alvis Hendley, December 16, 2013

3. New Bridge and Old Bridge

A new bridge carries vehicular traffic. The old bridge is a pedestrian bridge.

Old Roman Arch Bridge and New Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Alvis Hendley, December 16, 2013

4. Old Roman Arch Bridge and New Bridge

Dangerous Currents image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Alvis Hendley, December 16, 2013

5. Dangerous Currents

Despite the warning, the Bear River is popular with experienced whitewater rafters and kayakers.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 21, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2014, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. This page has been viewed 554 times since then and 61 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on August 17, 2014, by Alvis Hendley of San Francisco, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.