Snider Bridge
220th St. over unnamed stream, Corning, IAThe Snider Bridge carries a gravel-surfaced county road over a small stream some four miles west of Corning. This medium-span pony truss dates to 1885. In June of that year ti Adams County Board of Supervisors received petitions for seventeen small bridges. The largest of these proposed bridges was requested by George Snider, who asked that a 60-foot bridge be built in the west part of Section 31 of Quincy Township. Viewing a number of the petitions favorably, the board immediately began formulating construction plans. For the two longest spans, including the Snider Bridge, the board decided to solicit bids to erect iron structures. On June 15th bids were received from eight firms, and a contract to build both bridges was awarded to Reeve, Ward and Keepers of Clinton, Iowa. The contract price for both crossings was $1451.00. Completed later that year, the Snider Bridge has carried wagon and auto traffic since. The sub-structure and approach spans have been replaced entirely, but the pinned Pratt truss remains in unaltered condition.
The bowstring arch-truss was the iron bridge of choice for short-to medium-span applications in Iowa in the 1860s and 1870s. By 1880, the pin-connected Pratt truss had begun to supersede the bowstring for roadway bridges. Patented in 1844 by Thomas and Caleb Pratt, the design is distinguished by vertical members acting in compression and diagonals that act in tension. "The Pratt truss is the type most commonly used in America for spans under two hundred and fifty (250) feet in length," noted bridge engineer J.A.L. Waddell wrote in 1916. "Its advantages are simplicity, the economy of metal, and suitability for connecting to the floor and lateral systems." Virtually all of the major regional bridge fabricators manufactured Pratt trusses and marketed them extensively to Iowa's counties. This included the fledgling Clinton, Iowa, the firm of Reeve, Ward and Keepers. Thousands of pinned Pratt trusses were erected throughout Iowa, in both through and pony configurations, and many remain in service today. The Snider Bridge is distinguished as among the earliest of the Pratt pony trusses remaining in the state. The oldest remaining roadway bridge in Adams County, it is further distinguished as the earliest truss in the state attributable to this obscure Iowa firm. In well preserved condition, the Snider Bridge is an important early resource of Iowa transportation.
Local significance of the structure:
The bowstring arch-truss was the iron bridge of choice for short-to medium-span applications in Iowa in the 1860s and 1870s. By 1880, the pin-connected Pratt truss had begun to supersede the bowstring for roadway bridges. Patented in 1844 by Thomas and Caleb Pratt, the design is distinguished by vertical members acting in compression and diagonals that act in tension. "The Pratt truss is the type most commonly used in America for spans under two hundred and fifty (250) feet in length," noted bridge engineer J.A.L. Waddell wrote in 1916. "Its advantages are simplicity, the economy of metal, and suitability for connecting to the floor and lateral systems." Virtually all of the major regional bridge fabricators manufactured Pratt trusses and marketed them extensively to Iowa's counties. This included the fledgling Clinton, Iowa, the firm of Reeve, Ward and Keepers. Thousands of pinned Pratt trusses were erected throughout Iowa, in both through and pony configurations, and many remain in service today. The Snider Bridge is distinguished as among the earliest of the Pratt pony trusses remaining in the state. The oldest remaining roadway bridge in Adams County, it is further distinguished as the earliest truss in the state attributable to this obscure Iowa firm. In well preserved condition, the Snider Bridge is an important early resource of Iowa transportation.
Engineering
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is located in West Branch, Iowa. Hoover, who served as the 31st president of the United States from 1929 to 1933, was born in West Branch and spent much of his early life in Iowa. The museum includes exhibits on Hoover's life and presidency, as well as a collection of his personal papers and artifacts.
About Adams County
Adams County Timeline
Adams County, Iowa, located in the southwestern part of the state, has a rich history that traces back to the early 19th century. The county was officially established on January 15, 1851, and was named after John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States. Prior to European settlement, the area was home to Native American tribes, including the Sac and Fox tribes.
The first settlers arrived in Adams County in the early 1850s, drawn by the fertile soils and opportunity for farming. The county quickly developed an agricultural economy, with settlers cultivating corn, wheat, and oats. As more settlers arrived, small towns and communities began to emerge, providing necessary services and creating a sense of community.
One significant event in Adams County's history was the establishment of Corning as the county seat in 1864. This decision sparked controversy and led to a legal battle, as other towns in the county vied for the title. After a series of court cases, Corning ultimately won and became the permanent county seat, solidifying its importance in the region.
Over the years, Adams County experienced growth and development. Railroads were built, connecting the county to larger markets and stimulating economic growth. Schools, churches, and other community organizations were established, further enhancing the quality of life for residents. Today, Adams County continues to thrive as an agricultural community, with a strong sense of history and community pride.
The first settlers arrived in Adams County in the early 1850s, drawn by the fertile soils and opportunity for farming. The county quickly developed an agricultural economy, with settlers cultivating corn, wheat, and oats. As more settlers arrived, small towns and communities began to emerge, providing necessary services and creating a sense of community.
One significant event in Adams County's history was the establishment of Corning as the county seat in 1864. This decision sparked controversy and led to a legal battle, as other towns in the county vied for the title. After a series of court cases, Corning ultimately won and became the permanent county seat, solidifying its importance in the region.
Over the years, Adams County experienced growth and development. Railroads were built, connecting the county to larger markets and stimulating economic growth. Schools, churches, and other community organizations were established, further enhancing the quality of life for residents. Today, Adams County continues to thrive as an agricultural community, with a strong sense of history and community pride.
Adams County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Adams County, Iowa.
- 1851: Adams County is established by the Iowa General Assembly as an official county in the state.
- 1853: The town of Quincy is designated as the county seat.
- 1854: The first courthouse is constructed in Quincy.
- 1867: The county seat is moved to Corning due to its more central location.
- 1875: The second courthouse is completed in Corning.
- 1880: The Adams County Free Fair is established, becoming one of the oldest county fairs in Iowa.
- 1881: The Quincy & Pacific Railroad is completed, providing improved transportation to the county.
- 1893: The third and current courthouse is built in Corning.
- 1925: Adams County Memorial Hospital is established in Corning.
- 1936: Lake Icaria, a man-made lake, is created as a Works Progress Administration project.
- 1965: Nodaway Valley Community School District is formed, consolidating several smaller school districts.
- 1975: An outdoor amphitheater is constructed at Lake Icaria, providing a venue for various cultural events.
- 1992: The Adams County Conservation Board is established to oversee the county's parks and wildlife areas.
- 2009: The Corning Opera House is renovated and reopens as a venue for concerts and community events.