During our ride on the river last weekend, we cross under several bridges in the old river run. Two of the bridges fascinate me a lot. Neither bridge is used anymore as they are in disrepair. I can only imagine their importance and workings when barges still used the old river run.
Here is the turnstyle on the first bridge that moved to swing the bridge out of the river lane.
The second swing bridge has a turnstyle in the middle of the river. You can see the new bridge behind the swing bridge. The bridge in the background is the only way onto the island between the old river run and the new shipping channel. I would love to see this bridge in its open position.
The turn style is probably 16 feet in diameter and looks to be solid concrete. There are small windows at the top right under the bridge.
Here is the mechanisms on the end of the bridge away from the turnstyle. Alex was amazed at the purple martin nests built along the ledge.
And this is a close up of the teeth for the gears that turned the bridge.
This bridge was part of the Old Robinson Road which actually passes on the top edge of our property. It was a former stage coach route between Hunstville, AL and Jackson, MS. The road passed through the middle of Choctaw Territory and the Agency headquarters was situated about a half mile from our house.
The south is full of history that still intrigues me! I am learning a new passion for history!
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