High Bridge, Kentucky Historical Marker

Kentucky State Historical Marker 1381
Presented by Southern Railway System
Kentucky Historical Society        Kentucky Department of Highways

HIGH BRIDGE
Highest railroad bridge in US over
a navigable stream (308 feet).
Planned as suspension bridge for
Lexington and Danville R.R. by
John Roebling, designer of famous
Brooklyn Bridge (N.Y. City). Huge
stone towers to hold cables built
in 1851. Work on bridge abandoned
during Civil War. Towers removed
in 1929 by Southern Railroad to
permit double tracks.      Over.

Reverse

HIGH BRIDGE
First cantilever bridge built on
the American continent. Most
remarkable bridge in US when
constructed in 1876. Marked the
beginning of modern scientific
bridge building. It was designed
by Charles Shaler Smith and
built for the Cincinnati Southern
Railroad. Bridge replaced in 1911,
using same foundations, without
stopping rail service. See Over.