Allentown Bridge
a.k.a. Rio Puerco Bridge
Indian Rt. 9402 over Puerco River, milepost 9.1, Houck, AZIn 1922, the Arizona Highway Department began the major reconstruction of the Holbrook-Lupton Highway between Adamana and the state line. Two critical components of the project were the erection of substantial bridges over the Rio Puerco near the small Indian settlements of Allentown and Sanders. For the Allentown Bridge, AHD staff engineers designed a medium-span deck truss with 20' cantilevered ends. Using money from the state road fund and an Apache County bond issue, AHD let the contracts for the Sanders and Allentown bridges and a small pony truss over Lupton Arroyo at Lupton on January 1, 1923. The Midland Bridge Company of Denver was awarded the contract for the Allentown bridge. Midland began construction of the bridge on January 17 and, using steel milled by Illinois, completed the structure on July 11. Total construction cost: $11,675. Both the Allentown and Sanders crossings were removed from the highway by another realignment in 1931, and the bridges have since carried local traffic on the Navajo Indian Reservation.
Later designated U.S. Highway 66, the Santa Fe Highway was a major transcontinental route across northern Arizona. Before the construction of this bridge, traffic on the highway often was forced to wait up to 24 hours for the Rio Puerco to subside enough to permit fording. The Allentown Bridge thus formed an important link on a major interstate route. The Allentown Bridge is further significant as one of the earliest deck trusses built by the State Engineer, erected by a regionally active bridge contractor. Technologically, the Allentown Bridge is distinguished as one of the two earliest deck trusses identified in the inventory (other:Little Hell Canyon Bridge, 1923). Its cantilevered ends are unique among Arizona's vehicular trusses, but by no means technologically noteworthy.
Local significance of the structure:
Later designated U.S. Highway 66, the Santa Fe Highway was a major transcontinental route across northern Arizona. Before the construction of this bridge, traffic on the highway often was forced to wait up to 24 hours for the Rio Puerco to subside enough to permit fording. The Allentown Bridge thus formed an important link on a major interstate route. The Allentown Bridge is further significant as one of the earliest deck trusses built by the State Engineer, erected by a regionally active bridge contractor. Technologically, the Allentown Bridge is distinguished as one of the two earliest deck trusses identified in the inventory (other:Little Hell Canyon Bridge, 1923). Its cantilevered ends are unique among Arizona's vehicular trusses, but by no means technologically noteworthy.
Engineering; Transportation
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
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.
Arizona was the last contiguous state to join the Union: Arizona became the 48th state in the US on February 14, 1912. It was the last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union.
About Apache County
Apache County Timeline
Apache County, located in northeastern Arizona, has a rich and colorful history that spans thousands of years. The area was historically home to various Native American tribes, including the Navajo, Apache, Zuni, and Hopi peoples. These tribes thrived in the region, adapting to the challenging desert environment and establishing trading networks with nearby tribes.
European exploration of Apache County began in the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors, such as Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, ventured into the area in search of gold and other resources. However, it was not until the 19th century that significant European settlement took place. In 1846, during the Mexican-American War, the United States acquired present-day Arizona, including Apache County, from Mexico.
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Apache County experienced a significant influx of settlers attracted by mining, ranching, and railroad construction. The discovery of mineral deposits, including copper, uranium, and coal, played a crucial role in the county's development. The towns of St. Johns, Springerville, and Holbrook, among others, emerged as important centers of economic activity, supporting the growth of the mining and ranching industries.
Apache County also played a significant role in the history of the Wild West. The area was part of the historic Butterfield Overland Mail Route, which facilitated communication and transportation between the East and West coasts. Notorious figures such as Billy the Kid and the legendary Apache warrior Geronimo also left their mark on the county's history, engaging in conflicts and battles that shaped the region's development.
Today, Apache County continues to embrace its diverse heritage, with a vibrant Native American culture coexisting alongside more recent settlers. The county's history is preserved and celebrated through museums, cultural events, and historical landmarks, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry of its past.
European exploration of Apache County began in the 16th century when Spanish conquistadors, such as Francisco Vázquez de Coronado, ventured into the area in search of gold and other resources. However, it was not until the 19th century that significant European settlement took place. In 1846, during the Mexican-American War, the United States acquired present-day Arizona, including Apache County, from Mexico.
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Apache County experienced a significant influx of settlers attracted by mining, ranching, and railroad construction. The discovery of mineral deposits, including copper, uranium, and coal, played a crucial role in the county's development. The towns of St. Johns, Springerville, and Holbrook, among others, emerged as important centers of economic activity, supporting the growth of the mining and ranching industries.
Apache County also played a significant role in the history of the Wild West. The area was part of the historic Butterfield Overland Mail Route, which facilitated communication and transportation between the East and West coasts. Notorious figures such as Billy the Kid and the legendary Apache warrior Geronimo also left their mark on the county's history, engaging in conflicts and battles that shaped the region's development.
Today, Apache County continues to embrace its diverse heritage, with a vibrant Native American culture coexisting alongside more recent settlers. The county's history is preserved and celebrated through museums, cultural events, and historical landmarks, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry of its past.
Apache County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Apache County, Arizona.
- 1879 - Apache County is established on February 24, 1879, as one of the original four counties of the Arizona Territory.
- 1880 - The county seat is designated as St. Johns, which becomes the oldest continuously inhabited community in Arizona.
- 1881 - The town of Holbrook is founded and quickly becomes a hub for the region's livestock industry.
- 1882 - The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad completes a line through Winslow, bringing increased transportation and economic opportunities to the area.
- 1889 - The famous Pleasant Valley War, a deadly feud between cattlemen, reaches its peak in Apache County.
- 1931 - The iconic Petrified Forest National Monument is established within the county's boundaries, preserving unique geological formations and fossilized trees.
- 1964 - The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest is established, providing recreational opportunities and protecting important wildlife habitats.
- 1986 - Apache County experiences a major economic boom when the Navajo Generating Station, a coal-fired power plant, begins operations.
- 2005 - The Little Colorado River Navajo Tribal Park is established, featuring scenic attractions such as the spectacular Antelope Canyon.