Canton in St. Lawrence County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The King Iron Bowstring Bridge

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, August 29, 2015

1. The King Iron Bowstring Bridge Marker

Inscription. The King Iron Bowstring Bridge was designed by Zenas King and built in the 1870s. Before he founded the King Bridge Company in Cleveland, Ohio, Zenas King lived and worked in the Depeyster area of St. Lawrence County. One of a very few bowstring bridges that remain in service in New York State, this bridge, 75 feet long and 13 feet wide, was the link between the industries that operated on Falls Island and the Village of Canton. Teams of horses used to bring in loads of raw materials, including grains such as barley, oats, and wheat, logs of white pine, hemlock and various hardwoods, apples, and wool. Wagons left the island loaded with flour, cattle feed, lumber, building supplies, apple cider, yarn, and hardware products. By restoring this bridge, Grasse River Heritage has saved the heart of Canton's early history. The engineering firm, the contractor, and bridge restoration crews worked to insure that the restoration was for the most part true to the original design and construction techniques of this unique bridge.

How does the bowstring truss bridge actually work? The load of this bridge is carried by the arch. The

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weight is trust downward and vertically. The lower chord comes under tension, allowing the footings to take only vertical forces. All of the parts work together to create a bridge that is simple, light weight, dynamic, and elegant.

L.H. Evert's "History of St. Lawrence County," 1878. The two bowstring bridges shown over the east channel were never built.
"The King Iron Bridge in Winter" Fred Ashley photo, ca 1975. Canton Town and Village Historian's Office
"A Rare View of a Rare Bridge, 2004"
"Welding and Painting Completed, the Bridge Returns, September 28, 2007."
The King Iron Bowstring Bridge Heading Home, September 28, 2007."

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is September 28, 2007.

Location. 44° 35.74′ N, 75° 10.472′ W. Marker is in Canton, New York, in St. Lawrence County. It can be reached from West Main Street (U.S. 11) 0.1 miles east of Governeur Street (U.S. 11). Marker is in Heritage Park on the island (Willow Island) that separates the east and west channels of the Grasse River. The bridge leads to Falls Island, also separating

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, August 29, 2015

2. The King Iron Bowstring Bridge & Marker

Northward view from parking lot off US 11.

the channels. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Canton NY 13617, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York

and in the Adirondacks & North Country.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

New Netherland,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Canton's Islands / Falls Island in 1898 (within shouting distance of this marker); The West Channel of the Grasse River (within shouting distance of this marker); The Grist Mill (within shouting distance of this marker); Water Street and the Third Dam (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Sash and Blind Factory (about 300 feet away); The East Channel of the Grasse River (about 300 feet away); Rushton Boat Shop (about 400 feet away); Logging and Lumbering (about 400 feet

West View on Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, August 29, 2015

3. West View on Bridge

away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Canton.

East View on Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, August 29, 2015

4. East View on Bridge

The King Iron Bowstring Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, August 29, 2015

5. The King Iron Bowstring Bridge

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 699 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 15, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.