Bluff Dale Suspension Bridge
County Rd. 149 (Berry's Creek Rd.) at Paluxy River, Bluff Dale, TXThe Bluff Dale Suspension Bridge is Erath County's earliest recorded bridge and an example of one of Texas' few remaining suspension bridges.
Built ca. 1895 across the Paluxy River on the present US 377, the Bluff Dale Bridge provided a primary crossing for the people of Erath County en route to Fort Worth. Founded in the 1870s, Bluff Dale's population increased with the establishment of the Fort Worth and Rio Grande Railroad line in 1889. The growing community felt an acute need for an all-weather road crossing the Paluxy River. The Bluff Dale Suspension Bridge was the community's first permanent bridge.
When the old SH 10 became US 377, a new and wider bridge was needed and in 1933 a new bridge was constructed across the Paluxy River. The old suspension bridge was left in its original place until 1934. In that year the precinct decided to move the old bridge to a crossing 1 1/2 miles upstream from the original site to provide an all-weather bridge over the well-used ford in the river. The bridge is presently located on Berry Creek Road about 500 yards off US 377 on the west edge of Bluff Dale.
Today, the bridge is still in use. A nearby low-water bridge. was erected four years ago for trucks with heavy loads and for people who do not trust the old bridge's construction.
Local significance of the structure:
Built ca. 1895 across the Paluxy River on the present US 377, the Bluff Dale Bridge provided a primary crossing for the people of Erath County en route to Fort Worth. Founded in the 1870s, Bluff Dale's population increased with the establishment of the Fort Worth and Rio Grande Railroad line in 1889. The growing community felt an acute need for an all-weather road crossing the Paluxy River. The Bluff Dale Suspension Bridge was the community's first permanent bridge.
When the old SH 10 became US 377, a new and wider bridge was needed and in 1933 a new bridge was constructed across the Paluxy River. The old suspension bridge was left in its original place until 1934. In that year the precinct decided to move the old bridge to a crossing 1 1/2 miles upstream from the original site to provide an all-weather bridge over the well-used ford in the river. The bridge is presently located on Berry Creek Road about 500 yards off US 377 on the west edge of Bluff Dale.
Today, the bridge is still in use. A nearby low-water bridge. was erected four years ago for trucks with heavy loads and for people who do not trust the old bridge's construction.
Engineering; Transportation
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
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 late 19th century, Texas became known for its cattle drives, in which cowboys would move herds of cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas and other northern states. The cattle drives were dangerous and difficult work, but they played a key role in the development of the American cattle industry.
About Erath County
Erath County Timeline
Erath County, located in the central region of Texas, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanches and Tonkawas, who roamed the region for centuries. However, the Spanish explorers were the first Europeans to arrive in the area, with the famed Pedro Vial passing through in 1785.
In the 1850s, settlers began to establish permanent communities in Erath County, attracted by the fertile land and abundant water sources. One of the earliest settlements was Stephenville, which was founded in 1856. The town grew steadily and became a significant hub for trade and commerce in the region. During this time, agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, became the backbone of the economy.
Erath County played a notable role during the Civil War, as many residents joined the Confederate Army. The county also witnessed several skirmishes and raids, as it was located on the Western Frontier, making it an important strategic point. The war had a lasting impact on the area, with the local economy suffering due to the loss of men and resources.
Following the war, Erath County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in 1889 further boosted the economy and facilitated transportation. The county continued to thrive on agriculture and ranching, while also diversifying into industries such as oil and gas production. Today, Erath County remains a vibrant community, known for its ranching heritage, educational institutions like Tarleton State University, and a strong sense of community spirit.
In the 1850s, settlers began to establish permanent communities in Erath County, attracted by the fertile land and abundant water sources. One of the earliest settlements was Stephenville, which was founded in 1856. The town grew steadily and became a significant hub for trade and commerce in the region. During this time, agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, became the backbone of the economy.
Erath County played a notable role during the Civil War, as many residents joined the Confederate Army. The county also witnessed several skirmishes and raids, as it was located on the Western Frontier, making it an important strategic point. The war had a lasting impact on the area, with the local economy suffering due to the loss of men and resources.
Following the war, Erath County experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the railroad in 1889 further boosted the economy and facilitated transportation. The county continued to thrive on agriculture and ranching, while also diversifying into industries such as oil and gas production. Today, Erath County remains a vibrant community, known for its ranching heritage, educational institutions like Tarleton State University, and a strong sense of community spirit.
Erath County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Erath County, Texas.
- 1854: Erath County is officially organized and named after George Bernard Erath, a Texas Ranger and surveyor.
- 1855: The first settlers arrive in the area, primarily from Tennessee and Missouri.
- 1860: The first post office is established in Stephenville, the county seat.
- 1865: The Civil War ends, and Erath County begins to recover from the conflict.
- 1870: The Texas Central Railroad is completed, bringing increased trade and development to the county.
- 1893: Tarleton State University is founded in Stephenville.
- 1926: Construction of US Highway 67 begins, providing improved transportation access for Erath County.
- 1940s: The discovery of oil in the county leads to an economic boom.
- 1990s: Erath County becomes a popular filming location for movies and television shows, including "Walker, Texas Ranger."