Marker Inscription
In 1866 the Waco Bridge Company was granted a 25 year charter to build a toll bridge here. The charter guaranteed that no other bridge or ferry could be built within five miles. Construction began in 1868 and, after much financial difficulty, was finished in 1870. Bridge traffic included wagons, pedestrians, and cattle herds. Special rates were given to heavy users. From 1875 to 1889 the public agitated for a free bridge, but the company retained its monopoly. Then, in 1889, the bridge was sold to McLennan County which gave it to the city of Waco as a free bridge. (1976)
About this site
Waco Suspension Bridge, The is a historical marker in Waco, McLennan County, dedicated in 1976. It is one of 198 historical markers documented in McLennan County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 224 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 31.5602, -97.1278 near Waco. The nearest cataloged historic site is Waco Springs (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include De Cordova, Jacob, Waco, and Gerald-Harris Shootings.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5309005448. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
