The Waco Suspension Bridge crosses the Brazos River in Waco, Texas. It is a single-span suspension bridge with a main span of 475 feet (145 m). Opened in 1870, it contains nearly 3 million bricks. It is located north of Downtown Waco, connecting Indian Spring Park (on the southwest side of the river) with Doris D. Miller Park (on the northeast side of the river). Every year on Independence Day, the bridge serves as a place where thousands of locals gather to watch fireworks. Indian Spring Park marks the location of the origin of the town of Waco, where the Huaco Indians had settled on the bank of the river, at the location of an icy cold spring.Using our custom trip planner, Waco attractions like Waco Suspension Bridge can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
Before 1869, crossing the Brazos River was a time-consuming and sometimes dangerous ordeal. The only way to cross the river was via ferry, and due to the location of Waco on the growing Chisholm Trail, local businessmen knew that a bridge was needed to support commerce. For this reason, members of Waco Masonic Lodge #92 proposed the creation of such a bridge and they assigned a committee which would form the Waco Bridge Company, responsible for funding and building the project. A charter was received from the state in 1866.
Col. John T. Flint, an Austin lawyer and banker, who had moved to Waco after the war and established a firm named Flint & Chamberlain, went personally to New York to handle the contract for building a bridge.
In October 1868, the engineer he hired, Thomas M. Griffith, began to supervise the construction using cables from the Roebling company of Trenton, New Jersey. The logistical and engineering difficulties he encountered were abnormal because of the remote location.
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Waco Suspension Bridge reviews
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Yes, the bridge is closed for repairs, but it can still be seen from the shoreline. A portion of the Branding the Brazos sculpture is outside the enclosure while much of it is within the enclosed... more »
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There are many neat things to do in downtown Waco, Texas including the beautiful scenic suspension bridge. It’s a great place for pictures. more »
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I liked the peace and quiet. There are ducks, ducklings and geese. Several beautiful varieties swimming along on the river; just waiting for someone to feed them. We brought our daughter and grandchildren to walk with us over the suspension bridge. We all enjoyed the walk and the fantastic view. Looking at the underside of the bridge was interesting; that it was built in the 1870's is amazing. The Doris memorial is across the river which is another amazing construct. Of course we should have gone on a cooler day as it was 102°; that being said it's a great piece of Texas history. You can walk, run, bike or paddle a canoe. Take yourself or your family.
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My favorite place in all of Waco! It's well lit at night. I've never seen it trash filled. Gorgeous views! Lots of walking trails and even new workout stops.
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