The Swinging Bridge LbNA #41692 (ARCHIVED)
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Add Location| Owner: | Boots Tex  |
|---|---|
| Plant date: | Jul 11, 2008 |
| Location: | |
| City: | Goldthwaite |
| County: | Mills |
| State: | Texas |
| Boxes: | 1 |
| Found by: | cancan |
|---|---|
| Last found: | Dec 24, 2008 |
| Status: | FFFaam |
| Last edited: | Jul 11, 2008 |
Note: This box is missing. I am retiring it pending an opportunity to replace it.
When I was a kid, way back in the fifties, my family would occasionally make about an 150 mile trip from West Texas to Mills County to visit my aunt and uncle who lived on a ranch outside Goldthwaite. Just before we would get to their place, we crossed The Swinging Bridge, an event which was the highlight of our trip, at least for me. More properly known as Regency Bridge for its proximity to the small community of Regency, local folks just call it The Swinging Bridge, and for good reason. Built in 1939 after an older bridge washed away, the one-lane bridge spans 340 feet between its 30 ft. towers and is supported by steel cables which are anchored in concrete at both ends. The bridge is floored with 4 x 12 lumber. It’s the only operational suspension bridge left in Texas. It was refurbished in 1999 and Governor George Bush attended the rededication ceremony. If you ever watch the television show called Texas Country Reporter, pay attention to the opening credits; this is the bridge that Bob Philips crosses in his Suburban.
Directions:
From Goldthwaite in Mills County, Texas, go west on Ranch Road 574 to FM 433 (dirt road) and turn south for about 3 1/2 miles to the bridge. Park your car on the side of the road. Walk out on the bridge if you like, but watch for cars that might want to cross. From the north side of the bridge, which is in Mills County, stand in the road and look at the bridge. Two huge concrete foundations will be seen, one on each side of the road. Notice that the old cable has been cut off and new ones installed. Look at the back of the concrete block on the left to where the old cable goes through and into the ground. After you’ve found the box, go ahead and drive across the bridge, just because you can.
To the box:
The letterbox is under the cable where it enters the ground, covered with rocks and leaves. Please replace it so that it can’t be seen from the road.
When I was a kid, way back in the fifties, my family would occasionally make about an 150 mile trip from West Texas to Mills County to visit my aunt and uncle who lived on a ranch outside Goldthwaite. Just before we would get to their place, we crossed The Swinging Bridge, an event which was the highlight of our trip, at least for me. More properly known as Regency Bridge for its proximity to the small community of Regency, local folks just call it The Swinging Bridge, and for good reason. Built in 1939 after an older bridge washed away, the one-lane bridge spans 340 feet between its 30 ft. towers and is supported by steel cables which are anchored in concrete at both ends. The bridge is floored with 4 x 12 lumber. It’s the only operational suspension bridge left in Texas. It was refurbished in 1999 and Governor George Bush attended the rededication ceremony. If you ever watch the television show called Texas Country Reporter, pay attention to the opening credits; this is the bridge that Bob Philips crosses in his Suburban.
Directions:
From Goldthwaite in Mills County, Texas, go west on Ranch Road 574 to FM 433 (dirt road) and turn south for about 3 1/2 miles to the bridge. Park your car on the side of the road. Walk out on the bridge if you like, but watch for cars that might want to cross. From the north side of the bridge, which is in Mills County, stand in the road and look at the bridge. Two huge concrete foundations will be seen, one on each side of the road. Notice that the old cable has been cut off and new ones installed. Look at the back of the concrete block on the left to where the old cable goes through and into the ground. After you’ve found the box, go ahead and drive across the bridge, just because you can.
To the box:
The letterbox is under the cable where it enters the ground, covered with rocks and leaves. Please replace it so that it can’t be seen from the road.