Bow String Bridge

A "bow string" iron bridge was placed near the band stand replica at Old Jefferson Town in August of 1974. It will span a small ravine above the pond beside the Wellman School building.

Patented in the 1860's, this "bow-string bridge is of unique design with other one other of the same style in Jefferson County. It was originally located across Rock Creek in 1875, 1 1/2 miles north of Meriden. Sometime in the 1950's it was relocated on a road now closed 1 1/2 miles south and 4 miles east of Valley Falls. This third and final placement was supervised by William K. Rhodes, McLouth, chairman of the buildings and ground committee at the time.

*This information was taken from an excerpt from an article in the Oskaloosa Independent, 29 August 1974.