DUCK RIVER BRIDGE

COULUMBIA DUCK RIVER BRIDGE

The Columbia Duck River Bridge was the first bridge over the Duck River in Columbia. It is located at the foot of East 6th Street (35.61740N -87.02945W). The only portion that can be see is on the north shore of the River and cannot be accessed because it is own county land with a fence around it. However, the remaining abutment can be seen for the south side at the Riverside County Park.

During the Civil War the bridge was use by Union General Don Buell's Army of The Ohio crossed on its way to reinforce Gen Grant at the Battle of Shiloh.

Edward B. Littlefield, Peter R. Booker, and David Craighead were contracted to build it in August 1820. It was finished at least by 1823. It was burned in 1862 during the Civil War. All that remained were the pillars and abutments. Re-build it was completed in 1870. It remained in use until near the end of the 1800's.

In 1859, a sign was placed on the bridge with the following warning:
       

"$10 fine (half to the informer) for going through this bridge faster than a walk or driving through it more than 10 head of horses, mules, or cattle or more than 50 head of hogs, or driving through it more than one six-horse team at one time."

At that time, $10 would have a purchasing power of $294 (in 2014 dollar). So that was quite a fine!