Synopses & Reviews
Among highway travelers' most vivid memories are those formed by bridges. These structures (from the prosaic to breathtaking engineering feats) create a sense of passage, open wide vistas, and frame intimate views. The appearance of an old bridge can suggest a sense of time and place and a different lifestyle. Bridges act as symbols of specific cities and locales, as monumental landmarks, and as simple, understated, and elegant testimonials to good design and sound engineering.
Historic bridges are important components of our cultural heritage. As legacies, they are as important as the pioneer cabin, the Victorian courthouse, and the string of "commercial palace" buildings on Main Street. Oregon's covered bridges have long been the subject of historical research and publication. This book, however, is the first major examination of the other historic bridges that make smooth our transit throughout the state, structures that span gullies, rivers, estuaries, and other impediments to the swift movement so necessary in the modern world.
More than two hundred bridges are handsomely illustrated with photographs taken specifically for this volume. Bridges included are those so important to the city of Portland, the structures on the scenic Columbia River Highway, the remaining covered bridge collection, and the magnificent Conde B. McCullough-designed coastal arch bridges (elegant and unique, by Oregon's most outstanding bridge engineer).
First published by the Oregon Department of Transportation in 1985, Historic Highway Bridges of Oregon proved so popular that it was soon out of print. This Oregon Historical Society Press edition makes available again this first-rate, scholarly book on the state's historic highway bridges. It is a study (filled with photographs and informative schematics) that transcends the usual government documents in content, style, and quality. It is an enthusiastic and comprehensive review of Oregon's most important historic bridges.
Synopsis
Handsome illustrations of more than two hundred bridges, including Columbia River Scenic Highway bridges, covered bridges, and magnificent coastal bridges.