She's Made of Iron, Sir! I Assure You...

There’s a bridge on Iron Bridge Road in southeast Jackson County, Iowa. Yes, its made of iron, some 440 feet of it spanning the mighty Maquoketa River. Built in the 1950s the truss bridge connects hilly topography to the east to a broad plain to the west – most likely the ancient flood plain. At last count (2009) some 220 vehicles pass over the structure daily near Spragueville. 

On this day the bridge served as a photography subject and a land connector for the 42N crew. The water level was low but surprisingly clear. The site below the bridge has been added to the fishing spots to try for next season. And unlike the movie, Titanic as referenced in the title, there are no icebergs on the river or encroaching on the land - for now.

Bridging 2011 and 2012

On the last day of 2011, snow remains non-existent in the local 42N area - but for how long? The new year for this longitude is about four hours away. Once crossing into the new year, like transversing this bridge, we have decisions to make for 2012. Let's hope they are as simple as taking the road to the right once over the span. Know that.

Eight Point Star Used in Iron and Wood Truss Bridge

A well maintained county bridge in 42N country was recently reinforced with a few new planks of wood and tightened iron supports. A brilliant orange-red color was applied to the metal portions of the bridge without regard for masking resulting in overspray.

Along the outside of the truss supports are eight pointed star designs. Early astronomers used the eight points, like a compass to mark the four main directions and solstices. The symbol is also connected to ancient Middle East religions. So this bridge, built in the 1880s (old by Iowa standards) is accented architecturally with a symbol that has protected the structure for over a hundred years. Quite the accomplishment. Know that.

Checking Out Rock Staples

Along the 42N latitude, river bridges built in the 1800s and early 1900s with stone supports had a problem; that being the destructive effects of the freeze thaw cycle, ice flows and floods. All of those forces could potentially weaken the stonework and eventually cause bridge failure. To counter the massive pressure on the stonework a simple solution was devised.

Large iron staples were pounded into the finished quarried support blocks. This helped to keep the orientation intact and resistant to outside pressure. Staple examples seen today at this former bridge site were garbled in various positions.

A newer bridge located just a few yards from this site consists of modern materials (steel, iron, concrete.) The former bridge's stonework has been re-purposed as river bank rip-rap.

At this location only three large staples examples were found in the large chiseled stones. Channel your inner King Arthur abilities to pull metal out of rock, otherwise there is no budging these stone staples as souvenirs. But then what would I do with them? Know that.

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.