Why The Lincoln Bridge?

CNRA Historic Icon Explained

A trail guide and map published by the Chickasaw National Recreation Area offers an introduction to the Lincoln Bridge, which is a truly historic icon in the original Platt National Park here.

The guide explains, “One of the dominant features along the (park) trail is Lincoln Bridge, built in 1909.”

The footbridge built originally in 1902 for the new national park helped visitors arriving at the nearby train depot in Sulphur navigate through the park. The bridge took them from Vendome Well to Pavilion Springs on a short easy trail.

But why is it called “Lincoln Bridge.”?

The answer appears on a metal commemorative plaque placed at the entrance to the bridge by the National Park Service. It reads: “The dedication of the Lincoln Bridge in 1909 celebrated the centennial of President Abraham Lincoln’s birthday. The rededication of the bridge in 2009 celebrates the centennial of Lincoln Bridge and the bicentennial of Lincoln’s Birth.”

Also featured on the plaque are the names of the principal persons involved with the design and construction of the new bridge across Travertine Creek.

New Park Superintendent Albert R. Greene was the leader of the project here. A clue to his significance in naming the bridge comes from a book by local historian Dennis Muncrief: “AHistory of Platt National Park.”

Greene was the driving force behind all aspects of design and construction of the replacement for the old footbridge in 1908. The history book explains, “Greene was a wounded Civil War veteran who fought on the Union side. In the early days of the Park, it was nearly impossible to get a job there unless you were a Republican and/or a Union veteran.”

The 1909 opening was a celebration honoring Lincoln’s birthday. Supt. Greene was reputed to be “a neighbor and friend” of Lincoln.

The first decade of the new century featured the term of Republican President Theodore Roosevelt from 1901 to 1909. T.R. was noted for his support for protecting and preserving public lands. He was a big supporter of national parks at the time.

“A Substantial Structure” Above all, Supt. Greene wanted a sturdy bridge, unlike the previous wood bridges at the site. The history book states, “Greene felt that the proposed stone arch bridge would be permanent and always be an attractive feature of the Park.”

The bridge’s design was for a “rock arch” spanning 40 feet, a roadway 12 feet wide, with “four circular towers at corners” and a total length of 88 feet including approaches.

The white limestone used on the bridge came from recycled stone from the first Park Office.

The bridge was built wide enough for “four horses to pass abreast and strong enough for them to cross at full gallop.”

The bridge was completed in a very short time starting in December 1908. The total cost of the bridge was $3,927.00. The total construction time was 72 days.

Greene described the grand opening saying, “On February 12, 1909, the opening of the bridge was celebrated by a concourse of the citizens of Sulphur and visitors to the Park.”

An interesting trivia item from the history book: “The very first structure built in Platt National Park expressly designed to use electricity, was the Lincoln Bridge.”

Today, while the bridge escaped major damage, Flower Park took a major hit from last year’s April tornado. A recent visit to the bridge and Flower Park revealed the impressive power of Nature’s healing.

Just a year later, after tornado cleanup efforts, Flower Park has new foliage and many trees have recovered. Finally, Supt. Greene’s Lincoln Bridge has proved to be a survivor.