Historical Marker

High Bridge

Highest railroad bridge in US over a navigable stream (308 feet). Planned as suspension bridge for Lexington and Danville R.R. by John Roebling, designer of famous Brooklyn Bridge (N.Y. City). Huge stone towers to hold cables built in 1851. Work on bridge abandoned during Civil War. Towers removed in 1929 by Southern Railroad to permit double tracks.

Reverse

High Bridge - First cantilever bridge built on the American continent. Most remarkable bridge in US when constructed in 1876. Marked the beginning of modern scientific bridge building. It was designed by Charles Shaler Smith and built for the Cincinnati Southern Railroad. Bridge was replaced in 1911, using same foundations without stopping rail service. Presented by Southern Railway System.