Historical Marker

Main Street Bridges

Historical marker location:
300 S. Main Street, Salado, Texas
( Main Street, south side of bridge, Salado.)
Marker installed: 1986
Marker size: 27" x 42"

A number of bridges have been built over Salado Creek on Main Street since

1870. After the town of Salado was laid out in 1859, citizens crossed the creek

using various combinations of rocks and logs. When local citizens and students

at Salado College began to demand that a proper bridge be constructed across

the creek, town officials voted to issue bonds to fund the project.

The first bridge, built in 1868-69, was constructed by local volunteers. The

cable wire suspension footbridge, with cedar crossbars and a wooden plank

floor, was destroyed in a 1900 flood.

The second bridge, a larger structure which would accommodate wagon as well as

foot travel, was an iron bridge built by the King Bridge Company in 1892.

Located a few yards west of the suspension footbridge, it rested on piers of

rock and mortar, and was destroyed in a flood in 1913. Replaced a year later,

the duplicate bridge was washed away in a 1921 flood.

A concrete bridge was built across the creek in 1922. Anchored with reinforced

steel set into the rock creek bed, it proved to be a more permanent solution

than previous efforts to bridge the stream and continues to be a focal point in

the town.

Texas Sesquicentennial 1836-1936

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

bridges water topics
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
Texas random facts
Bell County, located in central Texas, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa, Lipan Apache, and Comanche. European settlers began arriving in the early 19th century, with the first permanent settlement established in 1850 by Thomas M. Bigham, who built a log cabin near the Lampasas River.

The county was officially established in 1850 and named after Governor Peter H. Bell. It quickly grew as more settlers arrived to take advantage of the fertile land and abundant natural resources. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became the primary industry in the region, with the first cotton gin built in 1853. The county also became an important shipping point due to its proximity to the Chisholm Trail, which was used to drive cattle to markets in the north.

During the Civil War, Bell County played a significant role in supporting the Confederate cause. Several Confederate camps were established in the area, and the county experienced some military action, including the Battle of Stampede Valley in 1863. After the war, the county began to recover and diversify its economy. The railroad arrived in the late 19th century, bringing further growth and development.

In the 20th century, Bell County continued to experience growth and modernization. Fort Hood, one of the largest military installations in the country, was established in 1942. The presence of the military base provided a significant economic boost to the county and continues to be a major employer and contributor to the local economy. Today, Bell County is a thriving community with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and military-related industries.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bell County, Texas.

  • 1834 - Bell County is established by the Republic of Texas
  • 1850 - The first permanent settlement, known as Nolanville, is established
  • 1851 - A post office is established in the town of Belton
  • 1852 - The county seat is moved from Nolanville to Belton
  • 1858 - The Belton Female College is founded
  • 1861-1865 - Bell County is heavily impacted by the American Civil War
  • 1870 - The Houston and Texas Central Railway arrives in Bell County, boosting economic growth
  • 1881 - The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor is founded in Belton
  • 1892 - The town of Temple is established as a railroad town
  • 1913 - The Santa Fe Railroad builds a major railroad station in Temple
  • 1920s - Bell County experiences an oil boom
  • 1957 - Construction begins on the Fort Hood military base
  • 1980s - Bell County's economy diversifies with the growth of healthcare and technology industries
  • 2005 - The Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery is established in Killeen