Carrollton in Carroll County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Old Ky. River Toll Bridge
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 12, 2019
1. Old Ky. River Toll Bridge Marker
Inscription.
Old Ky. River Toll Bridge. . The Old Kentucky River Toll Bridge first surveyed November 1897 and incorporated Nov. 1898. J.F. Jett, M.I. Barker, John J. Orr, and Martin L. Downs were instrumental in obtaining bridge. Contract was let to Indiana Bridge Company, July 1899; bridge completed 1900. Conveyed to the Commonwealth of Ky. by State Highway Commission, 1932.
The Old Kentucky River Toll Bridge first surveyed November 1897 and incorporated Nov. 1898. J.F. Jett, M.I. Barker, John J. Orr, and Martin L. Downs were instrumental in obtaining bridge. Contract was let to Indiana Bridge Company, July 1899; bridge completed 1900. Conveyed to the Commonwealth of Ky. by State Highway Commission, 1932.
Erected 2003 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. Presented by Carrollton Urban Forestry Commission. (Marker Number 2116.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1899.
Location. 38° 40.845′ N, 85° 11.114′ W. Marker is in Carrollton, Kentucky, in Carroll County. Marker is at the intersection of Highland Avenue (U.S. 42) and 2nd Street, on the right when traveling west on Highland Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carrollton KY 41008, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Also see . . . The City James Jett Helped Build, Paid Back By Suing Him. “About the same time he was championing a bridge across the Kentucky River joining Carrollton to Prestonville where none had been before. Against opposition from local ferry boat operators, he spearheaded a toll span that opened in 1900 and rapidly was seen as of ‘great value…as it has afforded facilities of inestimable benefit to the city of Carrollton and to the inhabitants on the west side of the river.’ For many years Jett was the treasurer for the bridge company.” (Submitted on July 2, 2019.)
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 12, 2019
2. Old Kentucky River Toll Bridge Monument
The tablet on the right is the 1899 Officers’ and Directors’ plaque that was bolted to the bridge itself before it was dismantled. There is a close up of it on Photo No. 3. The replacement bridge’s blue railing can be glimpsed in the distance on the right.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 12, 2019
3. 1899 Officers’ and Directors’ Plaque
“Carrollton and Prestonville Bridge Company. Officers, Myron I. Barker, President; James M. Gaunt, Vice President; James F. Jett, Treasurer; Martin L. Downs, Secretary. Directors: Myron I. Barker, James M. Gaunt, James F. Jett, Ralph M. Barker, Martin L. Downs.”
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 12, 2019
4. 1900 Stockholders' Plaque
“Stockholders, Carrollton & Prestonville Bridge Co. Myron I. Barker, Wm. Hill, J.E. Grobmyer, John J. Orr, Robert J. Howe, Wm. McCrackin, M.A. Geter, Jefferson Cunning, Anson S. Browinski, James F. Jett, E.A. Gullion, R.L. Vallandingham, Wm. Maddox, John M. Giltner, James M. Gaunt, Fred Brown, O.W. Geier, Frank B. Adcock, A.C. Adkinson, J.B. Adkinson, William F. Howe, John Smith, Thomas J. Handlon, C.S. Tandy, Ralph H. Barker, Joseph Lindsey, Martin L. Downs, John S. Gaunt, George Conway, H.C. Grobmyer, Charles D. Salvers, O.H. Wood, Louis Siersdorfer, Joseph B. Howe, John Siersdorfer, Carroll County, City of Carrollson, City of Prestonville.”
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 12, 2019
5. Old Kentucky River Toll Bridge Monument
The tablet on the left is the 1899 Stockholders’ plaque that was bolted to the bridge itself before it was dismantled. There is a close up of it on Photo No. 4. In the distance on the right is the Ohio River at the mouth of the Kentucky River.
Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 12, 2019
6. Replacement Bridge Over the Kentucky River
Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 307 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 2, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 6. submitted on July 3, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.