For more info:

Cumberland County Highway Dept.
800 E. Industrial. Dr.
Toledo, IL 62468
cchwy@rr1.net
217-849-3441 phone
217-849-2888 fax

History of Cumberland County Bridge on National Road

Cumberland Road is Surveyed
Joseph Shriver ran the initial survey for the alignment of the Cumberland Road through Illinois in 1828.   On February 6, 1833 T.S. Brown, Lt. U.S. Engineer was instructed by Brigadier General Charles Gratiot, Chief Engineer, Washington City to "to make a minute and thorough inspection of the National Road in the State of Illinois," embracing a "satisfactory examination of the books, accounts, and other papers in road office at Vandalia," and having particular reference "to the bridges and various kinds of masonry, the quantity and condition of which are to be carefully noted." The aggregate amount of the appropriations for the Cumberland Road in Illinois was $246,000.00

The report was transmitted to the House of Representatives by the Hon. Lewis Cass, Secretary of War on May 13, 1834.    The report states that every bridge of less that 100 feet span is a "king post" Bridge; all of 100 feet spans and upwards are "Jackson Bridges", constructed after the principle of Col. Long.

Cumberland Bridge is Contracted for Construction:
The Contract called for a bridge of 200 feet span. The estimated Price, $5,100.00 included masonry 1600 perches at $3.00 and superstructure 175 feet at $20.00.   The actual cost was $11,700.00; 2,073 perches @ $3.00 and 203 feet of superstructure @ $27.00.

The report states: " The masonry is completed. The west abutment was originally begun much nearer the river, but the foundations gave way and the stone employed turned out to be so poor that the frost of one winter entirely disintegrated it.  Subsequently, the span was enlarged, with approbation of the department, and the wall thrown back to the bluff, where it now rests on good foundation of dark-colored rotten slate rock.  The super structure is ready for final examination; it still rests on the timber bents in which it was framed.   It appears to be well constructed, and will test fairly the principle of the "Jackson" bridge, if the minute specifications have all been complied with.   This bridge and the last have overjets, at the ends, of six feet, to protect the ends of the timbers next to the abutment from the weather.   This important point has been overlooked in other bridges and at an early day the omission should be supplied"

The super structure was constructed of oak and black walnut.

We found, in the University of Illinois library, a book by S.H. Long "Description of the JACKSON BRIDGE together with Directions to Builders of WOODEN OR FRAME BRIDGES" by S.H. Long, BT. LT. COL. OF THE UNITED STATES ENGINEERS, PATENTED, MARCH 1830.  A table in this book lists the weight that may be sustained if distributed over the surface, independently of the weight of the bridge at 214.4 tons.

The Original Wooden Bridge gets washed out by the Embarrass River in 1865:
The 1884 History of Cumberland County says, "The only important bridge in the County until 1860 was the bridge of the National Road. This was built across the Embarrass by the government about the 1832 and was a good specimen of workmanship, skill and patience.  The constant wear of travel and weather reduced it to a wreak in about 30 years. The repairs on the old bridge were carried forward very slowly and the structure was carried away before it was finished."  Its final destruction was about 1865.

The Federal government ceded all interest in the road to the state in 1856.

No Bridge for a period of time

After the bridge was washed out, there was a ferry boat which was run by a number of people:  A Mr. Workman, then Sam Cisna and Chass Allen, then Cisna alone and back to Mr. Workman. He died in1871 and R.M.G. Cleghorn ran the boat.   Then John Hallett, who passed it back to Sam Cisna. During Workman's Term he had a small saloon attached to the ferry.  He also had a pontoon bridge for a while.

New Iron Bridge Installed
The Board made several attempts to secure a durable bridge over the Embarrass on the National Road but failed to get the necessary votes.  In 1875 the Board made a contract with McKay and Nelson Iron Bridge Company of Fort Wayne, Indiana for $9.700 to replace the bridge.

This bridge was washed out around 1912. 

From 1912 until 1920 there was intermittent ferry service.

New three span bridge installed in 1920
A new three span Girder Bridge was constructed on a raised grade in 1920.    This bridge was closed in 1996 after heavy spring rains created a scour hole under the east pier. 

The New Wooden Bridge is Proposed:
The State of Illinois proposed to remove the Embarrass River Bridge, the overflow bridge, and the embankment between the two bridges. 

The Cumberland County Highway Department and the Village of Greenup objected to the removal of the National Road.  Marketing of the National Road was included in Cumberland County Development Corporation's long range plan for promoting tourism in Cumberland County.

The State gave us 2 years to come up with a plan to save the road.

We came up with replacing the old three span bridge with a replica of the original "Jackson" covered bridge.   

We requested Federal Timber Bridge funds in the amount of $1,252,000.  The state agreed to provide $485,00 (the amount of funds required to remove the old structures and embankment).

On January 7, 1997 we received word that we were approved for Timber Bridge funding.

We entered into a design contract with Rhutasel and Associates, Inc. of Centralia, Illinois and anticipate construction to begin in July or August of 1998.

       Gary L. Kruger

       County Engineer

       Cumberland County