Rector Road Bridge
a.k.a. CSJ 0918-46-141; Local Designation AA0165-001
7501 Teasley Ln., Denton, TXThe citizens of Sanger bore the costs of erecting the Rector Road Bridge, which provided an important passage in the vicinity of Sanger, and facilitated growth and development in north Denton County. On February 19, 1908, the Rector Road Bridge was accepted by the Commissioners and they approved payment to Austin Brothers. The total payment was $1,894, which included $230 for a bridge built over the slough near the Rector Road Bridge.
Frank and George Austin were the Atlanta and Dallas agents of the George E. King Bridge Company in the 1890s. They had gotten their start in 1889 when George Austin moved to Dallas as an agent for the George E. King Bridge Co. of Des Moines, IA. The brothers started fabricating and installing steel truss bridges for counties across Texas and Georgia, and gradually expanded their expertise. The company they founded is still in operation today with over 6,000 employees, completing projects in almost every type of civil, commercial, and industrial construction. More than 200 Austin Brothers-built, pre-World War II steel truss bridges are still in service on the back roads of Texas.' Austin Bridge Co. of Dallas was the only major Texas bridge fabricator prior to the creation of the Texas Highway Department in 1917. After working for the George E. King Bridge Co,. of Des Moines, Iowa, the Austin Brothers severed their connection with George E. King Bridge Company and began to make plans to open their own bridge fabricating business. Finally, in 1910, the company purchased the property in Dallas and built a small fabrication plant for bridge and building components.2 The Pratt truss, patented in 1844 by Thomas and Caleb Pratt, made the vertical members stand in compression and the diagonals in tension, a reversal of the popular construction designs of the day. Although originally constructed in wood and iron, the Pratt was quickly modified for all iron and steel construction, becoming the predominant truss type of the 19th Century. By the end of the 1880s, the Pratt design had largely replaced the tubular arch as the standard truss type for short to intermediate spans. By this time, bridge fabricators were manufacturing Pratts in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, principally in short to intermediate span lengths (30 to 150 feet). The straightforward design, considerable strength, and ease of erection made the Pratt the predominant truss type for American roadways during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Pratt quickly gained acceptance through Texas as the preferred type for short to intermediate spans, reaching its heyday of popularity from 1895 to 1910. Built a few years after the organization of the Texas Highway Department at a time when rural counties opted to build economical truss bridges, the Rector Road Bridge at Clear Creek is a rare local example of what was once a common bridge type in Denton County. The bridge continues to retain a high degree of integrity after relocation in 2005 to John Guyer High School in Denton, Texas. The proposal to move the bridge was approved by the NPS in 2004.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2004.
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.
The state of Texas was once an independent country known as the Republic of Texas. It gained independence from Mexico in 1836 and was a separate nation until it was annexed by the United States in 1845.
Denton County was officially established in 1846 and named after John B. Denton, a prominent figure in Texas history. The county played a significant role in the early days of Texas statehood and witnessed the challenges and triumphs of westward expansion.
Throughout the 19th century, Denton County thrived due to the expansion of railroads and the arrival of new settlers. Agriculture, particularly the production of cotton, became a key economic driver. Educational institutions, such as the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University, were founded in Denton County during this period, establishing a legacy of academic excellence.
In the 20th century, Denton County continued to evolve. The discovery of oil in the area brought new economic opportunities, and the county experienced further growth and urbanization. Today, Denton County is a dynamic and thriving region with a diverse economy that includes sectors such as education, healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.
Denton County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Denton County, Texas.
Native American Inhabitation: Before European settlement, Denton County was home to various Native American tribes, including the Wichita and Tonkawa.
Anglo-American Settlement: In the mid-1800s, Anglo-American settlers began to arrive, drawn by the fertile land and prospects for farming and ranching. The Peters Colony, a land grant company, played a significant role in attracting these settlers.
County Formation: Denton County was officially established in 1846, named after John B. Denton, a prominent preacher and soldier who died during the Texas Revolution.
Growth and Development: The county's growth accelerated with the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, leading to the establishment of towns such as Denton, Lewisville, and Frisco. Agriculture, particularly cotton farming, became a key economic driver in the region.
Education: Denton County became an educational hub with the founding of the University of North Texas (formerly known as North Texas Normal College) in 1890. The university has since grown into a major educational institution.
Modernization and Urbanization: In the 20th century, Denton County experienced suburban growth and industrial development, especially with the expansion of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The county's population has steadily increased, and it is now one of the fastest-growing counties in Texas.