THE BRIDGE AT MINE CREEK

THE BRIDGE AT MINE CREEK

LtCol Frederick W. Benteen Bridge

The Bridge at Mine Creek was installed in April 2005 by the Department of Kansas, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. As evidenced in the photograph, the path to the Main Ford at the Mine Creek Battlefield required a little more effort than some visitors were able to do. The route crosses a small ravine with a channel normally containing flowing water, and the former bridge used steps and planks to cross the water. Mowing and maintenance equipment could not reach the area. Department of Kansas, SUVCW members elected to honor their ancestors by providing a memorial in the form of a bridge, allowing thousands of battlefield visitors to have better access to the area.

The old steps and planks were the only means of crossing the stream until the new bridge was built, which is now located about 25 yards downstream from the steps.

In the photograph on the left, the main supports have just been assembled at the old barn north of the battlefield. The bridge components were then loaded onto a trailer and hauled to the battlefield. In the photograph on the right, the first support has been set across the stream. It is 23 feet between the concrete footings.

In the photograph on the left, the building process continues. On the right, the new bridge is almost done. Hand railings are being placed on the bridge, planking is being screwed down and the height of the approaches has been adjusted.

The final product.