One Of The Oldest Bridges In America Is In Illinois

They don't make things like they used to.  The I-80 Bridge that connects Illinois and Iowa near the Quad Cities is 57 years old, is "past its exploration date", and is scheduled to be knocked down and rebuilt in the next 3-5 years.

There is another bridge in Illinois that drivers pass over and do not even realize it's nearly 200 years old!

The Oldest Bridge In America

The oldest bridge in America is the Hyde Hall covered bridge in New York. However, that bridge is not used by vehicles. You can still walk over the bridge, which was built in 1825, but that's it.

While the bridge was initially built on private property it's now available to see at any point while strolling through Glimmerglass State Park.

There is also a little controversy depending on who you talk with as the Hassenplug Bridge in Pennsylvania was also built in 1825.  Records do not show which one finished first.

The Oldest Bridge In Illinois Is Still In Daily Use

Some records say the Sugar Creek Covered Bridge in Chatham, Illinois is the oldest bridge in Illinois but the date of completion is either 1827 or 1880.  That is quite the range.

Get our free mobile app

However, the one that is not disputed is the Old Stone Arch Bridge in Marshall, Illinois.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the bridge between 1828 and 1837.

If you didn't know the bridge was there, you would probably drive over it without knowing you were driving over a 200-year-old bridge.  This is what it looks like from the road.

Since its construction, the bridge has continuously served road traffic. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on February 20, 1975.

Take the trip to Old Stone Arch, Marshall, IL 62441, and enjoy the 15-foot drive over the oldest bridge in Illinois.