However, this same abandoned bridge was completed in 1931 and served as the main roadway within the area until 1971, when it was officially closed to vehicular traffic because an updated bridge was created, which took away the functions of the original one. Florida's Bridge to Nowhere is so unique. a closer look at the bridge, plus the river itself is very scenic. Layer by Layer: A Mexico City Culinary Adventure, Sacred Granaries, Kasbahs and Feasts in Morocco, Monster of the Month: The Hopkinsville Goblins, Get Real: Defining Reality With Ashley Christine, How to Grow a Dye Garden With Aaron Sanders Head, Paper Botanicals With Kate Croghan Alarcn, Writing the Food Memoir: A Workshop With Gina Rae La Cerva, Reading the Urban Landscape With Annie Novak, Santuario de la Cruz Parlante (Sanctuary of the Speaking Cross), Secret Nun Cookies at Monasterio del Corpus Christi, The Hunt for an Elusive Florida Shipwreck That Killed 41 Enslaved People, Puzzle Monday: Golf, Only Slightly Abstracted, Indigenous Maple Syrup Makers Tap Into Tradition, https://bridgehunter.com/fl/suwannee/suwannee-springs/, https://www.narcity.com/abandoned-places-to-explore-in-florida-includes-bridge-to-nowhere-over-suwannee-river, https://www.hernandosun.com/2021/04/21/bridges-over-suwannee/. In 1899, the lumber company found need for a railroad to haul their materials, and they ended up buying the Suwannee and San Pedro Railroad, and extended it so PRR Bridges over Susquehanna River at Rockville, PA. I love old bridges. The steel is still as strong as ever, and visitors are able to come and snag some photos and drone videos of the area. Free to the public it sits on Susanne Springs park. Her articles have been featured in various notable publications over the years, she has a published collection of short stories, and three completed screenplays under her belt. Copyright 2003-2023, HistoricBridges.org. depth (-) To depth map Nearby waterbodies (59) The graffiti ranges from pictures of various pop culture characters, inspirational messages, declarations of love, commemorations of personal events, and, most often, tagging of names. HistoricBridges.org Bridge Browser: View listed bridges within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of this bridge. George Franklin Drew also created a logging company called 4 It was later in January 2013 announced that the bridge would be used as a base jumping center for Vertigo Bungee, and would be the highest platform bridge jump in North America. Recursively sort the rest of the list, then insert the one left-over item where it belongs in the list, like adding a card to the hand you've already sorted in a card game, or putting a book away in a sorted bookshelf. Width: 36 inches Height: 24 inches Description Unique shot of the Abandoned Bridge over the Suwannee River in Suwannee County. - technically this is named the Hillman Bridge. Suwannee springs bridge is a neat and unusual landmark to check out. Today, the bridge is missing a deck, and no easily visible portions of the abutments or any approach spans remain. These bridges all around Florida are fascinating and unique. You can take a dip in the crystal clear spring contained within the limestone ruins of the former bath house. Another activity that will spice up the stay around the Suwannee River is to feel the wild vibe at the marvelous Mystic Jungle. In several areas of the bridge, there are spots where people have been adding love locks to the railings. Although the visitors to the bridge will not have the chance to drive across the street, they can still experience the incredible moment of walking on the bridge and beholding the beauty of the scenic views of the Suwannee River. Consider supporting our work by becoming a member for as little as $5 a month. Standing tall in a wooded area in a quiet street outside Live Oak, the bridge has become a destination for those willing to snap some epic photos in front of an old structure covered with loud and vibrant graffiti. Owners and users of bridges have the An Abandoned Bridge over the Suwannee Art Print by Jeff Boudreau. The abandoned bathhouse is all that remains of the hot springs considered Florida's original tourist attraction. The Suwannee and San Pedro Railroad was merged with some The stand-alone bridge span in Fanning SpringsStatePark,near US 19 at the river,has a plaque on it that gives a historyof the bridge there, notingthat thestructurewas first built in 1934 and named the BenjaminChairesBridge,after a local pioneer settler of Dixie County. concrete railings on the t-beam spans. In 1918, Charles Moore purchased the Just west of the marker is the old US Highway 90 bridge over the Suwannee, which was closed to vehicular traffic when the current bridge was opened. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment. Graffiti covers all reachable areas of the bridge and is ever changing. Workers later replaced that early bridge with a modern one,and placed the originalChairesBridge in the park near the river. A report dated December 1, 1823 tells us that the lands on the east side of the Suwannee River had the appearance of being cultivated but were now abandoned, results of European intrusion on Indian lands. Elsewhere between the top chord, The rusted steel beams still hold strong, and the once barren bridge is now full of graffiti, creating a surreal vibe that is uniquely beautiful. See. The 1849 bridge was a 3,681' bridge with 23 wood Howe truss spans reinforced by Burr trusses on the outside faces. We spy a weekend getaway with the BFFs in our future! When the bridge was finished in 1934, area residents were so pleased,that they staged a square dance on thestructure itself. Sometimes you may stumble upon a piece of history that has long been forgotten; you'll definitely want to add this hidden gem to your abandoned places to explore in Florida bucket list. While we The Suwanee River is a 246 mile-long wild blackwater river that flows from South Georgia into Florida. The bridge was later abandoned for an updated bridge bypass in 1971, closing forever to vehicular traffic.*. I read that it was also known as the Hillman Bridge or Ellaville Bridge over the years. connection to the top chord by what appears to be a u-bolt. there are cast iron beams acting as struts (sway bracing). Follow us and be up to date with upcoming giveaways & outdoor news! You can end up with some of the most gorgeous photos of this rad runway that's somehow still full of life despite being left to ruin not to mention the stunning sights of the Suwannee River that come with it. The rollers have an unusually large diameter, when compared to other rim-bearing swing bridges. You will receive your first email soon. I knew that within another 6 to 8 months, we would all be dead, and there would be no record of it. 2023 Atlas Obscura. I read that it was also known as the Hillman Bridge or Ellaville Bridge over the years. Structure Type. An updated bridge bypass was created, which left the bridge to become forgotten over time. It runs 88 miles (142 km) from Chieflandnorth to the GeorgiaState Line in Levy, Gilchrist, Suwannee, and Hamilton Counties. Its original construction date is unknown, but it displays cast iron elements and unusual details that are characteristic of early metal truss bridges. He loves traveling, reading, partying, and making friends. It's one of the most fascinating abandoned places in Florida. Have you ever been to the Suwannee Springs Bridge in Florida? The bridge appears to have been designed so that there were two pinions to engage the rack, perhaps so Choose from multiple sizes and hundreds of frame and mat options. It is composed of segments of curved castings which are bolted together to form a complete circle. However, the Drew Bridge is believed to be a candidate for oldest surviving railroad swing bridge in the country, and perhaps even There is more angler content on Social Media! While this hidden gem feels a little out of the way, we think it's totally worth the visit. It was fabricated by Lacrosse Riverboat Company in LaCrosse, Wisconsin in 1985, and was patterned after the paddle wheeler Belle of Suwannee that previously floated along Florida's Suwannee River. Bridges serve a valuable service, of course, in allowing people to cross from one side of the waterway to the other, but they can also be inspiring to look at from the level of the river. Now it is a landmark. HistoricBridges.org does not bear any Shop Thousands of Canvas and Framed Wall Art Prints and Posters at Imagekind. *, Owned by the state, the bridge was completed in 1931 by Austin Brothers Bridge Co., serving as a main roadway for many years. The steel casing is completely missing in some areas, revealing the concrete within, which appears to be spalling. strive for accuracy in our factual content, HistoricBridges.org offers no It is a rural town with a lot of open space, scattered homes, a Dollar General, and a Hardee's restaurant. The historic town of Live Oak is located in Suwannee County and is embedded with decades-old iconic structures. strive for accuracy in our factual content, HistoricBridges.org offers no Metal 7 Panel Rivet-Connected Parker Through Truss, Fixed and Approach Spans: Concrete T-Beam, Fixed. Narcity Media Inc. The Suwannee Springs Bridge in Live Oak, Florida is tucked away in the forest, off of a quiet street, over the beautiful Suwannee River. associated with any government agency or any non-profit organization. HistoricBridges.org is NOT a government agency, does not represent or Bridge To Nowhere: Investigating Florida's Abandoned Attraction, If Youre In The Keys, Visit Floridas Dolphin Research Center, Loaded with distinctive and unique places to visit, Florida, this same abandoned bridge was completed in 1931, Skydiving To Swimming: Spend A Weekend In Sugarloaf, Florida, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground, The Best Beaches In The Florida Keys, Officially Ranked, Lavish Accommodations: Discovering The 10 Most Expensive Hotels In Chile, Breathtaking Mountain Views & Great Luxury: 10 Most Expensive Hotels In Argentina, Spirited Stays: 10 Haunted Hotels In Savannah To Satisfy Your Paranormal Passion, Fun In A University City: The Ultimate Guide To Bowling Green & Things To Do, Beaches & Views: The Ultimate Guide To Biloxi & Things To Do, Art & Adventures: The Ultimate Guide To Knoxville & Things To Do, Where To Watch Alligators Expanding Into Tennessee (For The First Time), 10 Best Campsites To Book Throughout New York State, Upstate New York's Hidden Treasures: An Excursion To Explore Its Best Secret Caves, Gorges, & Canyons. The corrosion resistant wrought and cast iron has weathered time nicely. seems logical to suggest that the Drew Bridge dates to 1880 or earlier. the lateral bracing is tied into the main pin. citizens. Abandoned Hillman Bridge on The Suwannee River - YouTube This is the old highway 90 where it crossed the Suwannee River near the old town of Ellaville. Thus, the Suwannee River Bridge holds many hopes and dreams as well as disappointments and tears. other railroad companies into the Florida Railway in 1905. Highway 90 Bridge Construction 1920's The river, which originates in the nienik mountain range, has often overflowed its. Related: If Youre In The Keys, Visit Floridas Dolphin Research Center. citizens. You can pick up your areas local edition at over 11,000 marine specific businesses, retail outlets or big box stores. Collapsed in 1969 and not replaced until 1984. All reachable areas of the way, we would all be dead, and making friends look at the,... 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