Near Cambridge in Guernsey County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Peters Creek S-Bridge

The Historic National Road in Ohio

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, October 7, 2016

1. Peters Creek S-Bridge Marker

Inscription. The history of this bridge is tied to Zane’s Trace, the original road through the region. In 1803, the trace crossed Peters Creek, a few hundred yards to the north, using logs to bridge the stream. In 1828, when the National Road was built through this part of Ohio, replacing Zane’s Trace, this stone “S’ bride was built in order to accommodate the increased traffic the road would bring. With the rise of the automobile in the early 20th century, improved roads and bridges were needed. As a national highway system was developed in the 1920s and 1930s, much of the National Road was incorporated into the new U.S. Route 40, and the bridge was abandoned when the road was realigned to the south of its location.

Rehabilitating a Landmark
Years of neglect and damage from four successive floods in 2005 resulted in a bridge that was ready to collapse. The “S” bridge had deteriorated to such a degree that simple repair work would not be adequate to save the bridge. Instead, a complete rehabilitation of the bridge was undertaken. This meant removing much of the original structure, then rehabilitating

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the bridge. Work on the structure began in the spring of 2007 and was completed in November. Using modern tools and materials, the bridge was not only rehabilitated, but it was also strengthened to help it withstand future floods. While the bridge no longer serves traffic, it stands as a tribute to the National Road and to the great engineering that went into its construction.

The unusual shape of the S-bridge is the result of the need to find a simple and inexpensive way to cross streams. In the 1820s and 1830s, when small bridges were built as part of the National Road, an arch that crossed directly over the stream required less labor and material than one that crossed at an angle. In order to keep the road straight, the approaches to the bridge had to be offset, giving the bridge an S-shape.

Erected 2010 by Guernsey County Project Pride.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Bridges & Viaducts • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the The Historic National Road series list.

Location. 40° 0.637′ N, 81° 39.433′ W.

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, June 23, 2014

2. Peters Creek S-Bridge Marker

full view of marker, from parking lot

Marker is near Cambridge, Ohio, in Guernsey County. It is at the intersection of Old National Road (U.S. 40) and Peters Creek Road (County Route 416), on the right when traveling west on Old National Road. Marker is in a small park at the east end of the bridge. There are multiple markers at this site. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4698 Peters Creek Road, Cambridge OH 43725, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: S Bridge Renovation (a few steps from this marker); Peters Creek Mile Marker (a few steps from this marker); Peter's Creek "S" Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Cambridge (approx. 3 miles away); Old Covered Bridge (approx. 3.4 miles away); The Tingle Tavern (approx. 3½ miles away); a different marker also named Cambridge (approx. 3.6 miles away); The First Methodist Church (approx. 3.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cambridge.

Another marker is no longer nearby. “S” Bridge (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Additional keywords. Old National Road

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, June 23, 2014

3. Peters Creek S-Bridge Marker

Long shot of marker, at the far end of the S bridge, just left of my blue Explorer

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, June 23, 2014

4. Peters Creek S-Bridge Marker

Peters Creek road sign, at Old National Road

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, June 23, 2016

5. Peters Creek S-Bridge Marker

Old National Road commemorative sign

<i>"S" Bridge, West of Cambridge, Cambridge, Guernsey County, OH</i> image. Click for full size.

Photographed by A.S. Burns, November 28, 1933

6. "S" Bridge, West of Cambridge, Cambridge, Guernsey County, OH

Photo courtesy of the Historic American Buildings Survey.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 10, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 8, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 942 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 8, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. 6. submitted on October 10, 2016. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.