Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site ~ Laclede, Missouri
Locust Creek Covered Bridge
Though its present setting suggests otherwise, this bridge was part of "Route 8"," the first transcontinental highway in the United States & the primary east-west artery in Linn County. Prior to that designation, "Route 8" played an important part in western migration. As early as 1849, migrants who were caught up in the California gold rush trudged the route toward Independence, Missouri-the eastern end of the Oregon Trail. Locally, the significance of Locust Creek Covered Bridge rests on the utility it rendered to area residents during its 70 years of active service.
Three factors contributed to the bridge's present seclusion. Sometime after 1945 the channel of Locust Creek was altered, leaving the bridge over a dry creek bed. Secondly, U.S. Highway 36, one mile south, replaced old "Rote 8." And finally, a second bridge on the east access road washed out; in 1960 the county ceased maintenance of the half-mile access road.
Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site ~ Laclede, Missouri
Locust Creek Covered Bridge
Though its present setting suggests otherwise, this bridge was part of "Route 8"," the first transcontinental highway in the United States & the primary east-west artery in Linn County. Prior to that designation, "Route 8" played an important part in western migration. As early as 1849, migrants who were caught up in the California gold rush trudged the route toward Independence, Missouri-the eastern end of the Oregon Trail. Locally, the significance of Locust Creek Covered Bridge rests on the utility it rendered to area residents during its 70 years of active service.
Three factors contributed to the bridge's present seclusion. Sometime after 1945 the channel of Locust Creek was altered, leaving the bridge over a dry creek bed. Secondly, U.S. Highway 36, one mile south, replaced old "Rote 8." And finally, a second bridge on the east access road washed out; in 1960 the county ceased maintenance of the half-mile access road.