Split Rock Bridge
Courtesy of Lorraine Draper |
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Built as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project, the Split
Rock Bridge is an outstanding example of an ornamental park bridge,
achieving its aesthetic effect through the purity of its form and
the beauty of its random ashlar masonry. The WPA was part of President
Franklin Roosevelt's depression-era New Deal Program. The purpose
of the WPA was to provide meaningful work to the unemployed and
in the process preserve their skills and self-respect. It intended
to stimulate the economy by offering the unemployed paid positions,
which would enable them to help the economy with their spending.
Split Rock Bridge is a single span stone arch highway bridge that
carries an unpaved north and south road over Split Rock Creek. The
bridge is constructed of locally quarried bluish pink Sioux quartzite
with rock faced and split faced surfaces. Symmetrically framed by
stepped, flared random ashlar wing walls, the bridge displays a
single segmental arch with random ashlar spandrel walls--the largest
stone arch span of any active highway bridge in the state. Surmounted
by a well-defined coping, the parapets rise above the
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Two historic views of Split Rock
Bridge c.1940
Courtesy of Jasper Area Historical Society and Pipestone
County Museum |
roadway level to serve as railings. At the south end of the east railing,
a commemorative stone plaque bears the inscription "Split Rock Bridge/
Works Progress/ Administration Project/ 1938." The bridge was completed
for an approximate cost of $46,000 and survives in an unaltered condition
today. The stone was cut from the Miller Quarry in nearby Jasper and
was custom cut to fit at the quarry.
Split Rock Bridge and Split Rock Creek State Park are located
about one mile south of Ihlen at 336 5th Ave. For further information,
call 507-348-7908 or visit the Split Rock State Park website.
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