The Beautiful Bridge Hike In Texas That Will Completely Mesmerize You
By Katie Lawrence|Published October 06, 2018
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Bridges are some of the most versatile landmarks in existence. Whether covered, suspended, or cable-stayed, they all serve a unique purpose. Some of them, like the one in this article, also have extremely interesting backstories. Keep reading to learn all about what makes the Rusk Footbridge so special.
Spanning 546 feet, this historical relic is the longest footbridge in America. It was originally built in 1861 before restorations in both 1889 and the 1960s.
Engineer T.H. Barnes, who built the town of New Birmingham, Texas, was in charge of the first reconstruction. Rusk residents were wary of the iconic structure being tampered with again nearly a century later but were relieved to learn Barnes left behind blueprints for any future work.
Before streets connected residential areas with the downtown business district, this was a major thoroughfare of sorts. It also served as a means to cross a small valley underneath when the nearby creek flooded.
Today, although by no means necessary for transportation, the bridge allows citizens of Rusk and visitors alike to escape from the frenzy of everyday life and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer. The Pineywoods provide a certain tranquility, solitude, and clarity matched by few other destinations in the state.