Cedar Creek Bridge

a.k.a. 32AD50

Across Cedar Cr., unnamed co. rd., approximately 6 mi. N and 11 mi. E of Haynes, Haynes, ND
In accordance with the guidelines established in the Multiple Property Documentation form for "Historic Roadway Bridges in North Dakota," the Cedar Creek Bridge is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places with local significance under Criteria "A" and "c." The bridge is significant under Criterion A for its association with an important pattern of bridge construction in a number of counties in the state, in which one or two bridge companies received most of the contracts over a successive period of years, even with, or under the pretense of, competitive bidding. This pattern emerged in the late nineteenth century and, in some counties, continued into the 1930s. This bridge serves as a representative example of the pattern; it is one of the two oldest documented bridges in Adams County constructed by a long-term county bridge builder, the Twin City Bridge Company. The bridge is significant under Criterion C because it is one of the two oldest documented bridges in the county, being constructed soon after the county was formed in 1907. It is, in addition, a well-preserved example of the Pratt through truss design, the most common structural form for early, large-span metal bridges in the state.

County records indicate that this riveted Pratt through-truss bridge (with stringer approach span) was one of "two steel bridges, with steel and concrete piers [to be constructed] across the Cedar River" in 1908 by the Twin City Bridge Co. of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This builder was virtually the sole bridge company employed by the county from about 1907 to the mid-1920s. Surprisingly, however, Twin city Bridge is not known to have constructed bridges elsewhere in North Dakota. A 1991 statewide survey of North Dakota's historic bridges identified five surviving bridges constructed by Twin City Bridge, all of which are in Adams County.
Local significance of the structure:
Engineering; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1997.

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.

North Dakota was the birthplace of several famous figures, including author Louis L'Amour, entrepreneur Harold Hamm, and actress Angie Dickinson.
Adams County, ND has an intriguing history that dates back to the late 1800s. The region was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara peoples, who utilized the surrounding land for hunting and gathering resources. The arrival of European settlers in the late 1800s marked a significant turning point in the area's history.

In 1884, Adams County was officially established, named after John Quincy Adams, the sixth President of the United States. The county's economy began to flourish, primarily driven by agriculture and the discovery of coal and natural gas deposits. The railroad also played a crucial role in the county's growth, facilitating the transportation of goods and people to and from the area.

Throughout the early 20th century, agriculture became the backbone of Adams County's economy. Residents cultivated wheat, barley, flax, and other crops, transforming the region into a prime agricultural hub. The county's population grew steadily, as more individuals and families moved to the area in search of agricultural opportunities.

In recent decades, Adams County has faced both challenges and opportunities. Advances in technology have transformed farming practices, allowing for increased efficiency and productivity. However, the decline in commodity prices and the consolidation of farms have also had a significant impact on the county's agricultural sector. Despite these challenges, Adams County remains a vibrant community with a rich history and a promising future.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Adams County, North Dakota.

  • 1893 - Adams County is established in the Dakota Territory.
  • 1898 - Lemmon is founded as the county seat.
  • 1907 - The Milwaukee Railroad reaches Adams County, boosting agricultural development.
  • 1911 - Adams County experiences an oil boom, leading to significant economic growth.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression and Dust Bowl hit the area, causing widespread hardship.
  • 1951 - A significant oil discovery is made in Adams County, revitalizing the local economy.
  • 1971 - The Adams County Courthouse, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is constructed.
  • 2006 - Adams County celebrates its centennial anniversary.