While out driving the Wagoner Road I came to this single-lane gem, the Hassayampa River Bridge.
In 1922 the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors received a citizen’s petition for a permanent wagon bridge over the Hassayampa River.
Two years later the supervisors agreed to build a steel truss bridge. The contract was awarded to El Paso Bridge and Iron Company for $7,880.00.
Downstream from bridge
The Hassayampa River runs mostly underground. The headwaters are just south of Prescott and it flows south towards Wickenburg entering the Gila River near Hassayampa, Arizona.
Upstream from bridge
This streamside habitat is home to some of the desert’s wildlife. Yet many of them have become dangerously imperiled as riparian areas have disappeared from the Arizona landscape.
A local legend purports that anyone who drinks from the river can never again tell the truth. As an anonymous poet wrote:
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Those who drink its waters bright-
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Red man, white man, boor or knight,
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Girls or women, boys or men-
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Never tell the truth again
In 1979 the Hassayampa River Bridge was listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and is considered a significant remnant of early Arizona bridge construction.
What an interesting post, Gaelyn. I'm trying to say the river's name aloud. Mmm. Thanks for sharing. (((hugs))) Jo
Wow, beautiful bridge and views! I wonder how or why that legend about the water got started.
Little jewels in the middle of "nowhere"…
Pretty little bridge and nice creek under it and a great legend.
Nice post, yet again.
Not a bridge to head across without checking for oncoming traffic.
What a lovely drive you had along the Wagner Road. That old bridge is beautiful.
Well . . . did you stop to have a drink???
Nice post, I like single lave bridges. We met quite a few of then in New Zealand and have plenty here too, especially in the mountains.