Spanning the Brazos: The Waco Suspension Bridge

Created on September 13, 2024 at 01:00 PM

Sepia photo with an aerial view of the Suspension Bridge with a train crossing parallel to the river.

Waco Suspension Bridge in the early 1900s. Photo courtesy of the Baylor University Texas Collection.

For over 150 years, the Waco Suspension Bridge has stood as one of Waco’s most emblematic landmarks. Once a bustling thoroughfare for horses, cows, wagons, and automobiles, the bridge has evolved into a beloved pedestrian bridge connecting our community across the Brazos River.

 A Symbol of Progress

Black and white photo of the Waco Suspension Bridge with a fence around the toll keepers cottage

Waco Suspension Bridge in 1890 with a fence around the toll-keepers cottage. Photo Courtesy of the Texas Collection.

Before the bridge’s construction, crossing the Brazos River was unpredictable. Travelers relied on a ferry started by Waco pioneer Shapley Ross. Recognizing the need for more reliable crossing, local leaders formed the Waco Bridge Company in 1866. After years of planning, construction, and fundraising, Waco residents celebrated the grand opening of the Waco Suspension Bridge on January 6, 1870. The 475-foot bridge officially opened to traffic the following day.

At the time, the Waco Suspension Bridge was the longest suspension bridge west of the Mississippi River. The bridge was built with cable supplied by the John Roebling Co., who also built the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. 

The bridge simulated the growth of Waco providing a steady stream of traffic through the City, helping it become the capital for cotton and cattle in Central Texas.

In its first year of operation, Waco Bridge Co. collected tolls to pay for the cost of the bridge. In an effort to circumvent the toll, McLennan County bought the bridge in 1889 for $75,000. The bridge was later sold to the City of Waco for $1 with the provision that the City would maintain it and eliminate the toll.

From Roadway to Walkway

Sepia photo of the Suspension Bridge.

Waco Suspension Bridge in 1910. Photo courtesy of the Texas Collection.

Over the years, the maintenance of the Suspension Bridge has required multiple renovations. In 1913, a surprising proposal emerged: the City of Waco proposed demolishing the bridge and replacing it with a new structure. However, Waco city commissioners approved, in a divided vote, to renovate the Suspension Bridge. In 1914, new cables were installed, the roadway was replaced, the towers on both sides were reshaped, and new walkways were installed on both sides.

The bridge eventually provided a crossing for motorized vehicles in the early 20th century.  In late 1949, not long after the Texas Electric interurban railroad ended operation, its bridge over the Brazos was converted to handle westbound traffic, while the Suspension Bridge handled eastbound traffic. The piers once holding the repurposed interurban railroad are still standing today next the Suspension Bridge. 

In June 1969, Waco City Council approved plans for the construction of the Franklin Avenue bridge over the Brazos.  Upon completion of the new Franklin bridge, the Suspension Bridge was converted into a pedestrian bridge in 1973.

Award-Winning Construction

  • 1970 – The Suspension Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 1976 – The Suspesion Bridge received a Texas state historical marker.
  • 1986 – The Texas Society of Professional Engineers selected the Suspension Bridge as one of five “outstanding engineering achievements in Texas during the past 150 years.”

 

A crowd gathers at the Suspension Bridge for a longhorn cattle drive.

Longhorn cattle drive at the Suspension Bridge. April 2023.

To commemorate the United States’ bicentennial, the walkway was replaced again, and the bridge received a fresh coat of paint. A more extensive overhaul was completed in late 1997 to replace deteriorated structural parts, repaint steel surfaces, and upgrade the lighting.

Most recently, in 2020, the City began a comprehensive restoration project to keep the bridge in excellent condition for many years to come. Enhancements included structural improvements, including new support systems, decking, and cables, in addition to the new landscaping, irrigation, and lighting. On April 22, 2022, the City of Waco held a Texas-sized celebration with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a symbolic longhorn cattle drive across the bridge.

A Lasting Legacy

Today, the Suspension Bridge is the centerpiece of Indian Spring Park that serves as a designated historical landmark connecting Waco’s past, present, and future. Beyond its historical significance, the Suspension Bridge has become a popular destination for residents and tourists. As we approach the 155th anniversary in 2025, let us renew our commitment to preserving and enjoying this iconic landmark for generations to come.

Sources

“City is to build the old bridge”. Waco Semi-Weekly Tribune, 14 Mar 1914, p. 3.

“City officials will ask county to share costs of rehabilitation”. Waco News-Tribune, 14 Jul 1913, p. 8.

Copeland, Mike. “The wonder of Waco”. Waco Tribune-Herald, 15 Oct 1986, p. 1A

Hanafy, Erin. “Bridge repair, riverwalk projects set sail this summer”. Waco Tribune-Herald, 22 Jun 1997, p. 1A

Masferrer, Marc R. “Suspended in time”. Waco Tribune-Herald, 7 Jan 1995, p. 1A

“Proposal for two one-way bridges over Brazos eyed”. Waco News-Tribune, 11 Jun 1948, p. 15

Saegert, Rhiannon. “Spanning the centuries”. Waco Tribune-Herald, 22 Oct 2020, p. 1A

“Texas historical marker unveiled at Waco bridge”. Waco Tribune-Herald, 1 Dec 1976, p.

Veit, Richard J. “A centennial salute to the free bridge.” Waco Heritage and History, vol. 19, no. 1, Sept. 1989, pp. 3–19.

“Wire bridge spans Brazos at Waco; new gateway to the frontier opened”.

Waco Tribune-Herald, 30 Oct 1949, p. 24.