Big Bend in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
What is the Sarto Bridge?
July 15, 2017
1. What is the Sarto Bridge? Marker
The Sarto Old Iron Bridge was built in response to flood problems in northeast Avoyelles Parish during the early part of the twentieth century. Frequent flooding between Bayou des Glaises and the Red River resulted in the need to evacuate people, livestock and crops to higher ground. Floodwaters from the Mississippi, Atchafalaya and Red Rivers often destroyed low-lying, wooden bridges over Bayou des Glaises, obstructing evacuation routes.
The Avoyelles Parish Police Jury commissioned a steel truss swing bridge over the Bayou des Glaises at Big Bend on May 5, 1915, after two particularly destructive floods in 1912 and 1913. Construction of a bridge at the end of Sarto Lane began after the Police Jury approved a bid by Austin Brothers of Texas for $5,375 in June of 1915. The Bridge was opened for use, circa May 20, 1916. It was operational until 1988, when it was closed due to disrepair.
Three Avoyelles Parish residents were essential to the preservation and restoration of the Sarto Old Iron Bridge. Adam Ponthieu Sr., of Big Bend, was instrumental in motivating the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury to preserve the Sarto Bridge. Eleanor Blakewood Marshall of Kleinwood Plantation, researched the history of the bridge and documented the events leading to its construction. Carlos
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. A significant historical date for this entry is May 5, 1915.
Location. 31° 4.415′ N, 91° 47.585′ W. Marker is in Big Bend, Louisiana, in Avoyelles Parish. Marker is at the intersection of Highway 451 and Iron Bridge Crossing, on the right when traveling north on Highway 451. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 8554 LA-451, Moreauville LA 71355, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. A Historic Landmark (a few steps from this marker); Bayou Des Glaises (a few steps from this marker); Sarto Old Iron Bridge (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Sarto Old Iron Bridge (a few steps from this marker); Big Bend: Development of a Community (a few steps from this marker); Buddy Guy (approx. 5˝ miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 6.2 miles away); White Hall Plantation House (approx. 6.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Big Bend.
July 15, 2017
2. What is the Sarto Bridge? Marker
July 14, 2017
3. Sarto Bridge
Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2017. It was originally submitted on July 16, 2017, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 357 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 16, 2017.
