Archibald Falls Bridge

Information and Findings From DHPA Historic Bridge Survey

Statement of Significance

The Brackett Bridge Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Lafayette Bridge Company of Lafayette, Indiana, each fabricated one span of this pin-connected Pratt through truss which is seated upon cut stone abutments, wingwalls, and pier. Brackett's span to the southwest was probably constructed in 1892. Intermediate verticals of laced channels subdivide the 87' span into most of its five panels. Eyebars provide the diagonals: pairs stretch toward center span from the top panel point to the bottom of the 2nd and 4th panels; pairs of cylindrical eyebars with turnbuckles cross the center panel. Girder floor-beams are U-bolted to the lower pins. The Lafayette bridge span was added in 1896. Again, intermediate verticals of laced channels subdivide the 78'9" truss into most of its five panels. The diagonals follow the standard design used by Brackett, too. U-bolted to the lower pins, I floor-beams carry the 15' timber deck which serves each span. 14'7" of vert clear One span fabricated by a prolific out-of-state and another by an equally prolific in-state firm, this structure retains its 19th century members including decoratively latticed portals and bracing for each span. It includes the oldest and one of two extant Brackett Pratts. References AECON, Inc., Bridge Inventory and Inspection Report: Crawford County (Nashville, 1973). Simpson Engineering Corp., Bridge Reinspection Report: Crawford County (Indianapolis, 1980). WTH Engineering, Crawford County Bridge Reinspection Report (Indianapolis, 2001). bridge nameplates.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes