Ruben Ely's Three Span Bridge

Recently we found another surprise located in 42N country - a three span stone bridge. Located just west of Monticello, Iowa is this limestone constructed bridge which spans Deer Creek. Farmer Ruben Ely Sr. and son constructed the bridge in 1893 for about $455 using stone from quarries in nearby Anamosa, Iowa. 

Ruben's grandson, Mark Bader helped make repairs on the bridge in 2003. The next year a concrete deck and steel guardrails were added for further stability and safety. 

Running north and south, this unique bridge is only one lane wide. Obviously to survive not being demolished or widened for modern traffic suggests that the bridge is considered special. In 1979 the Ely bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Know that.