Amidst the unfathomable beauty of Wyoming’s diverse and expansive landscape, it’s no surprise that the state’s natural wonders often steal the spotlight. But the history of the Cowboy State is equally inseparable from the pioneers, indigenous tribes, and local workers who shaped it into the state we know and love today. Architectural achievements like the Sunlight Creek Bridge near Cody, the tallest bridge in the state, or the soaring Buffalo Brill Dam tend to get the most attention, but there are countless other man-made wonders worth admiring! If you’re looking for a unique, under-the-radar destination in Wyoming, take a quick drive over to the DMJ Pick Bridge near Saratoga, Wyoming. This unique bridge is not only a historic and engineering marvel, but also the oldest NRHP bridge in Wyoming still standing and in active use today.
Construction of the DMJ Pick Bridge began in 1909 under the helm of contractor Charles G. Sheely. It was originally located south of Fort Steele, where it served as a vital link for the transportation of goods and people across the North Platte River.
The bridge was named after David M. J. Pick, a prominent rancher and businessman who owned the land where the bridge was built. Pick also donated $5,000 to the construction of the bridge, which cost a total of $12,000 to build - the equivalent of nearly $400,000 today!
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The Pick Bridge is a "Parker Through Truss Bridge," which is a type of bridge that has a curved top chord and diagonal members that slope towards the center of the span. This design allows the bridge to withstand heavy loads and resist bending.
The bridge is 160 feet long and 16 feet wide and has a typical clearance of 14 feet above the water … depending on the season, of course.
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In 1934, the DMJ Pick Bridge (also known simply as the Pick Bridge or North Platte River Bridge) was moved up the river to its current location, following the construction of a new bridge in its original location. The goal was to provide better access to the Pick Ranch and other properties along the river.
The bridge was dismantled, transported, and reassembled at its new site, which, as you can imagine, required a lot of skill and labor.
Today, the Pick Bridge carries Carbon County Road CN6-508 across the river and is open to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic. It's also a historic and cultural landmark, as it is the only Parker Truss Bridge remaining in Wyoming, after the old Arvada Bridge was replaced in 1990.
But for many, the bridge is simply a beautiful, old-fashioned reminder of a bygone age, a spectacular place to admire panoramic views of the Platte River Valley and mountains, and an incredible place to catch a sunset.
Uniquely, the Platte River Valley and Saratoga area is home to quite a few gorgeous and/or historic bridges, including the King Iron Bowstring Bridge at Fort Laramie National Historic Site, a number of quaint footpaths across the water around Saratoga Hot Springs, and many more.
After all, this breathtaking slice of Wyoming is home to absolutely mind-boggling beauty. So what better vantage point to enjoy it all than from a gorgeous bridge overlook?
While you won’t find skyscrapers or towering zeniths in Wyoming, there are plenty of man-made marvels around the state that stand as a testament to human ingenuity and engineering prowess. The DMJ Pick Bridge is certainly one such hidden gem in Wyoming, and a worthwhile destination for anyone who loves nature, history, and good old-fashioned man-power!
While you’re in the area, keep exploring! Saratoga Hot Springs is an obvious highlight, but there’s plenty more to discover and enjoy in this beautifully secluded small town.
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