Querino Canyon Bridge
Old US 66 over Querino Canyon, Houck, AZIn 1929, the Arizona Highway Department undertook an extensive rehabilitation and relocation of U.S. Highway 66 - the major east-west artery across northern Arizona - between Sanders and Lupton in Apache County. In addition to the approximately 22.5 miles of roadway grading and surfacing, the project included the construction of several bridges and drainage structures. The largest of these was the Querino Canyon Bridge, a concrete-decked steel trestle designed by AHD with three Pratt deck trusses supported by steel piers. In November, AHD awarded the contract for the entire project (Federal Aid Project 83-A) to Phoenix contractor F.D. Shufflebarger for $184,604.
Shufflebarger began work on the highway at year's end, and on the bridge in 1930. Using material manufactured by the Inland Steel Company, he completed the bridge behind schedule by December 1930. This section of the highway was reduced to county road status in the 1960s by the construction of Interstate 40, and the Querino Canyon Bridge remains intact, carrying local traffic on the Navajo Indian Reservation. An important crossing of rerouted U.S. 66, the Querino Canyon Bridge formed an integral link on one of America's primary transcontinental routes. It is one of four multi-span, deck-trussed trestles identified in the inventory (others: Dead Indian Canyon (0032); Black River (3128); and Sand Hollow Wash (8662)). All were erected between 1929 and 1934 at rural crossings in the northern half of the state, all spanned between 77' and 116', and all were designed and built either by AHD or by the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads, using industry-standard truss detailing. Picturesquely sited over the rugged canyon, the Querino Bridge is a typically configured example of early highway truss design.
Local significance of the structure:
Shufflebarger began work on the highway at year's end, and on the bridge in 1930. Using material manufactured by the Inland Steel Company, he completed the bridge behind schedule by December 1930. This section of the highway was reduced to county road status in the 1960s by the construction of Interstate 40, and the Querino Canyon Bridge remains intact, carrying local traffic on the Navajo Indian Reservation. An important crossing of rerouted U.S. 66, the Querino Canyon Bridge formed an integral link on one of America's primary transcontinental routes. It is one of four multi-span, deck-trussed trestles identified in the inventory (others: Dead Indian Canyon (0032); Black River (3128); and Sand Hollow Wash (8662)). All were erected between 1929 and 1934 at rural crossings in the northern half of the state, all spanned between 77' and 116', and all were designed and built either by AHD or by the U.S. Bureau of Public Roads, using industry-standard truss detailing. Picturesquely sited over the rugged canyon, the Querino Bridge is a typically configured example of early highway truss design.
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 is a state that is known for its stunning landscapes and awe-inspiring natural wonders.
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.
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