Carlyle in Clinton County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The General Dean Suspension Bridge

By Duane Hall, October 13, 2016

1. The General Dean Suspension Bridge Marker

Inscription. This bridge was built in 1859 at a cost of $40,000 and used for nearly seventy years. Previously, travelers at Carlyle crossed the Kaskaskia by ferry or on a mud bridge supported by logs. The Historic American Buildings Survey recognized the architectural significance of this bridge in 1950 and recommended its preservation. In 1951 the State Legislature appropriated $20,000 for restoration work. The bridge was named in honor of Major General William F. Dean, a Korean War hero and Carlyle native, in 1953. As of 1976 this was the only suspension bridge in Illinois.

Erected 1976 by Carlyle Junior Woman’s Club and the Illinois State Historical Society.

Marker series. This marker is included in the Illinois State Historical Society marker series.

Location. 38° 36.672′ N, 89° 21.475′ W. Marker is in Carlyle, Illinois, in Clinton County. Marker is at the intersection of 1st Street and Fairfax Street, on the right when traveling north on 1st Street. Touch for map. Marker is located 200 feet east of 1st Street at the west end of the bridge. Marker is in this post office area: Carlyle IL 62231, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within walking distance of this marker

Marker at West End of General Dean Suspension Bridge image. Click for full size.

By Duane Hall, October 13, 2016

2. Marker at West End of General Dean Suspension Bridge

View to east from 1st Street

. General Dean Suspension Bridge Display (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Goshen Road (about 400 feet away).

Also see . . . Suspension Bridge, Spanning Kaskaskia River, Carlyle, Clinton County, IL (HABS). (Submitted on October 19, 2016.)

Categories. • Bridges & Viaducts •

<i>BRIDGE PYLONS - EAST END - Suspension Bridge, Spanning Kaskaskia River, Carlyle...</i> image. Click for full size.

By Clark Bullard, 1936

3. BRIDGE PYLONS - EAST END - Suspension Bridge, Spanning Kaskaskia River, Carlyle...

Photograph courtesy of the Historic American Buildings Survey.

Credits. This page was last revised on October 19, 2016. This page originally submitted on October 19, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 189 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 19, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 3. submitted on October 19, 2016.