The Unique Rainbow Arch Bridge In Cotter Is The Only One Of Its Kind In Arkansas

The bridge crosses the White River on what is now US-62 between Flippin and Cotter. The bridge has quite a few unique features, most of which come from its construction.

This was the only bridge built by Marsh in the state of Arkansas. Cotter Bridge was also one of the largest designs created by the Des Moines, Iowa company using their Marsh Rainbow Arch patent.

At the time, the nearest road crossing the White River was over 100 miles north in Missouri. Residents of Cotter used a ferry system but the flux of the river made this unreliable. A bridge was needed but the state lacked funds.

In 1927 the Arkansas Department of Transportation was able to secure nine approved toll bridge sites but Cotter almost didn't make the list. Allegedly, Baxter County Judge R. M. Ruthven (a huge proponent of the bridge) stole the report stating Cotter didn't have the traffic to support a bridge before the Arkansas Highway Commission made their decision. Without the report, Cotter was able to be approved for a bridge.

Besides providing a way between Point A to Point B, Cotter Bridge also has plenty of surrounding attractions. See the bridge while trout fishing below the arches or head to Big Springs Park nearby.

Not only does the construction make it unique but so does its preservation. The bridge was nearly torn down in 80s but the community rallied and saved the bridge. It became the first National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in Arkansas. It was later placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990 as well.