Upper Iowa River Bridge
a.k.a. Hartley Bridge
Mays Prairie Rd. over Upper Iowa R., Dorchester, IAThis medium-span through truss carries a gravel-surfaced road over the Upper Iowa River southeast of Dorchester, in Union City Township. The road is presently a secondary one, but the crossing was once located on the main road between Dorchester and New Albin. The first permanent bridge was built here around 1870 by Allamakee County. Comprised of a two-span bowstring arch-truss, it had deteriorated to the point of replacement by the early 1910s. In 1913 the county removed the old bridge and solicited competitive proposals for its replacement. Although the project was relatively modest in scale, bids were received from 13 state and regional firms. The contract to build the new concrete substructure was awarded to New Hampton, Iowa, firm Chambers and Dobson for $2585.00. The Clinton Bridge and Iron Works were hired to fabricate and erect the rigid-connected Pratt truss for $3490.00. Using steel components rolled by the Illinois Steel Company, Clinton fabricated the truss and shipped it to Allamakee County. The Upper Iowa River Bridge was completed in July 1914. It has functioned in place since in unaltered condition.
When this bridge was let for bids in 1913, the Iowa State Highway Commission was just getting underway with its legislatively mandated program to standardize bridge design in the state. Although the highway commission delineated standards for pony trusses and smallscale concrete structures in 1913, it was not until the following year that truss designs were developed. This left counties such as Allamakee to depend - as they had for decades before - largely on the bridge companies themselves for both engineering and construction. The Upper Iowa River Bridge was built during this transitional period. Using a rigid connected Pratt through truss, it resembled the 1914 state standards in design but differed slightly in detail, indicative of its independent source. It is thus technologically significant as one of the last of the pre-ISHC trusses in the state. Of less momentous importance is the builder's plate on the bridge's portal. Consisting of a pierced plate with a crenelated top, it is the only one of its kind identified by the statewide bridge inventory.
Local significance of the structure:
When this bridge was let for bids in 1913, the Iowa State Highway Commission was just getting underway with its legislatively mandated program to standardize bridge design in the state. Although the highway commission delineated standards for pony trusses and smallscale concrete structures in 1913, it was not until the following year that truss designs were developed. This left counties such as Allamakee to depend - as they had for decades before - largely on the bridge companies themselves for both engineering and construction. The Upper Iowa River Bridge was built during this transitional period. Using a rigid connected Pratt through truss, it resembled the 1914 state standards in design but differed slightly in detail, indicative of its independent source. It is thus technologically significant as one of the last of the pre-ISHC trusses in the state. Of less momentous importance is the builder's plate on the bridge's portal. Consisting of a pierced plate with a crenelated top, it is the only one of its kind identified by the statewide bridge inventory.
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.
In the early 1900s, the town of Villisca, Iowa was the site of a gruesome murder that remains unsolved to this day. On June 10, 1912, eight people were bludgeoned to death with an axe in their home. The crime is known as the Villisca Axe Murders and has been the subject of numerous books, films, and TV shows.
About Allamakee County
Allamakee County Timeline
Allamakee County, located in northeastern Iowa, has a rich and diverse history that spans back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Dakota, Ho-Chunk, and Iowa. These tribes relied on the natural resources of the region such as the Mississippi River for trade and sustenance.
European settlers first arrived in the area in the early 1800s, attracted by the fertile land and abundant wildlife. The county was officially established in 1847 and was named after the Native American chief Allamakee, who was known for his friendly relations with the early settlers. Throughout the 19th century, Allamakee County experienced rapid growth and development as more pioneers moved in and established farms and towns.
The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s brought further prosperity to the county, enabling the transportation of goods and allowing for greater economic opportunities. The towns of Waukon, Lansing, and Harpers Ferry became important trading centers in the region. Agriculture, particularly dairy farming, became one of the primary industries in Allamakee County.
In the 20th century, Allamakee County saw some challenges, including the Great Depression and the decline of the agricultural industry. However, the county managed to adapt and diversify its economy, with an increased focus on tourism and outdoor recreation due to its scenic natural beauty. Today, Allamakee County attracts visitors with its picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant communities that celebrate the region's rich history and culture.
European settlers first arrived in the area in the early 1800s, attracted by the fertile land and abundant wildlife. The county was officially established in 1847 and was named after the Native American chief Allamakee, who was known for his friendly relations with the early settlers. Throughout the 19th century, Allamakee County experienced rapid growth and development as more pioneers moved in and established farms and towns.
The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s brought further prosperity to the county, enabling the transportation of goods and allowing for greater economic opportunities. The towns of Waukon, Lansing, and Harpers Ferry became important trading centers in the region. Agriculture, particularly dairy farming, became one of the primary industries in Allamakee County.
In the 20th century, Allamakee County saw some challenges, including the Great Depression and the decline of the agricultural industry. However, the county managed to adapt and diversify its economy, with an increased focus on tourism and outdoor recreation due to its scenic natural beauty. Today, Allamakee County attracts visitors with its picturesque landscapes, historic sites, and vibrant communities that celebrate the region's rich history and culture.
Allamakee County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Allamakee County, Iowa.
- 1837 - Allamakee County is established.
- 1851 - The county seat is officially established in Salem.
- 1855 - Waukon becomes the new county seat after a heated election.
- 1857 - Allamakee County experiences a population boom due to the newly constructed railroad.
- 1878 - The Upper Mississippi River Fish and Wildlife Refuge is established along the county's eastern border.
- 1935 - The Great Depression hits Allamakee County hard, leading to economic struggle for many residents.
- 1980s - Tourism becomes an important industry in the county, with visitors attracted to its scenic beauty.
- 2010 - Allamakee County celebrates its 175th anniversary.