I heard of a bridge just up the road.

It has been said that it was very old.

I yearned to see this structure of the past,

and take photos that I knew would last.

Upon the approach, feeling its ancient appeal,

Abandoned and silent these bones of steel.

I almost could imagine the horses and cart,

I creeped up so slowly to stand on its heart.

I wanted to cross to feel the ancient ghosts

Unsteady I tried getting half way at most.

But the past held me back, I could not go

As the bridge shook and teetered to and fro.

I will leave you alone this beauty of the past

to harbor your memories that I know will last.
 

 

Built in 1901, the Pratt Truss Bride is listed by the state of Illinois as a historic bridge because of its style. Truss bridges are known for their load-bearing elements, forming numerous triangular shapes holding the bridge through compression and tension.  The bridges were was to analyze for early 1900's engineers and used construction materials more efficiently than other designs.  The Pratt Truss style was found to be practical for spans of up to 250 feet and were commonly used for railroad bridges.  The bridge on Stagecoach Road spans 100 feet with iron supports and a wooden deck. There are not too many of those types of structures left in the state of Illinois.