General Dean Suspension Bridge

General Dean Suspension Bridge

While in Carlyle, don't miss the restored General Dean Suspension Bridge over the Kaskaskia River at the east end of Fairfax Street.

Fairfax
Carlyle, IL 62231

Phone:	(618) 594-5204
Email:	bridge@guidepostusa.com

Located just outside the city of Carlyle, this 130 year old bridge is one of the oldest suspension bridges in the area. It is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. The original bridge served as a crossing of the Kaskaskia River.

Historical Marker Reads:
This bridge was built in 1859 at a cost of $40,000 and used for nearly seventy years. Previously, travelers at Carlyle crossed the Kaskaskia by ferry or on a mud bridge supported by logs. The Historic American Buildings Survey recognized the architectural significance of this bridge in 1950 and recommended its preservation. In 1951 the State Legislature appropriated $20,000 for restoration work. The bridge was named in honor of Major General William F. Dean, a Korean War hero and Carlyle native, in 1953. As of 1976 this was the only suspension bridge in Illinois.

Erected by: Carlyle Junior Woman's Club and The Illinois State Historical Society

On-site Facilities:

Picnic Tables, Restrooms

Admission

Hours:

dawn to dusk

Admission Fees:

free

Group Rates:

free

Group/Special Tours:

Parking

Parking Description:

parking lot

Parking Fee:

free

Motorcoach/Driver Specials:

Location

Geocode:

38.611137 latitude, -89.357730 longitude

What's Nearby

Nearby points of interest:

Carlyle Lake, Clinton County Historical Museum

Nearby recreational opportunities:

fishing, sailing, swimming, waterskiing, camping all at Carlyle Lake. Golfing at Governors Run Golf and Country Club

Nearby state and national parks:

Eldon Hazlet State Park, South Shore State Park