Last updated: August 1, 2023
Place
Longmire Historic Tour: Nisqually Suspension Bridge Exhibit Panel
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Longmire
Amenities
1 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
Title: Nisqually Suspension Bridge
Main Text
This suspension bridge was built in 1923-24 to reach a planned automobile campground on the south side of the Nisqually River.
Before then, a narrow pony bridge spanned the banks. Originally, the cables were supported by whole-log towers twenty feet high. In the early 1950s, the bridge was rebuilt with squared timbers and new decking. Since then, the bridge has undergone several major rehabilitations to keep it operational and in good condition.
The Longmire Public Auto Campground opened in 1925 with space for 200 cars. Although the campground closed to the public in 1989, the Community Building that served its campers is used to this day.
Exhibit Panel Description
The main text against a green background fills the top half of the small, vertically-oriented exhibit panel. The bottom half of the exhibit panel is filled with a black-and-white historic photo of an early version of the Nisqually Suspension Bridge. In the photo, three people stand together on the bridge, which is just wide enough for them. Next to the standing people, two more people sit on the left-side cables supporting the bridge with their feet resting on the bridge railing. The bridge cables arch up to attach to a simple wood frame on the far bank of the river.
Visit This Exhibit Panel
The Nisqually Suspension Bridge exhibit panel is part of the Longmire Historic District Walking Tour. It is located to the left of the bridge on the east side of the Nisqually River (across the bridge from the main Longmire developed area). Longmire is open year-round, but the exhibit panels are removed during the winter. However, you can still pick up a Longmire Historic District Walking Tour map at the Longmire Museum and view the buildings in winter.