Masonry Arch Bridges | Texas Historical Commission

The Great Depression and the Return of Masonry Arches

The Ancient Romans initially constructed the semicircular arch for buildings, doorways and bridges. Yet engineers continue to use this ancient form for its strength, simplicity, and classical design. The use of stone in arch bridges ensures durability over time, and many structures still survive and remain virtually unaltered, 100 years after construction.

This 1949 Works Progress Administration poster advertises a new federal recreation project to build hike trails.

The Stock Market Crash of 1929 plunged the country into a period of economic chaos. In response to the decreasing availability of materials, funds, and labor, architectural design shifted towards simplicity and efficiency with an emphasis on craftsmanship. President Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal programs put young men to work learning construction trades and building bridges and roads, some of which you can read more about in our historic roads feature.

This 1949 Works Progress Administration poster advertises a new federal recreation project to build hike trails.

New organizations, such as the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Works Progress Administration, and the National Youth Administration initiated beautification projects for roads and bridges. Through these organizations, young men acquired skills in landscaping, masonry, and maintenance. At the same time, cities across America embraced highway beautification programs, stone masonry bridges, and scenic road stops. In regards to bridge building, stone became the prominent material used throughout the nation.

Texas engineers occasionally built the masonry arch before the New Deal, such as the West Sixth Street Bridge in Austin, which dates to 1887. This type of structure experienced a great surge in popularity, becoming the most recognizable Depression-era bridge, as seen in the Possum Kingdom Bridge that carries State Highway 16 over the Brazos River, or the Arneson Theater Bridge for pedestrians along San Antonio's Riverwalk.

With the hope of raising spirits and utilizing local materials to their best ability, builders found ways to display appealing designs with lower budgets. Inspired by the natural environment, designers created picturesque structures that fit within the outdoor landscape, unlike earlier metal trusses or later concrete slabs.

Download sources for content and images here or for the individual arch bridge pages here.

Early Masonry Arch Bridge in Austin
The West 6th Street Bridge, previously known as the Pecan Street Bridge, over Shoal Creek in Austin remains one of the oldest masonry arches in Texas and even predates the Texas State Capitol Building. Built in 1887 with local materials, this three-arch masonry bridge replaced an iron bowstring arch, the first bridge in Austin. Yet this hand-built bridge still allows vehicular traffic, connecting the west side to the east side of town. The Texas Historical Commission and the Shoal Creek Conservancy have joined together to preserve this historic landmark, restoring the stonework and lighting and maintaining the surrounding landscape.
The West Sixth Street Bridge was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.
Works Progress Administration and Possum Kingdom
Architects mimicked the ancient form of masonry arch bridges by highlighting the keystone, or the central stone at the top of the arch, as seen in the Possum Kingdom Arch Bridge. Located in Palo Pinto County, this bridge remains the longest stone arch built in Texas at 433 feet and 4 inches. Members of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), many of whom were unemployed coal miners, completed it in 1942, yet the bridge continues to withstand powerful flood waters from the Morris Sheppard Dam one mile upstream.
The Possum Kingdom Masonry Arch Bridge over the Brazos River on SH 16, HAER files at Library of Congress.
The Possum Kingdom Masonry Arch Bridge over the Brazos River on SH 16, HAER files at Library of Congress.
Works Progress Administration and the San Antonio Riverwalk
The 1941 Arneson Theater Bridge over the San Antonio River in Bexar County.
In 1941, the WPA completed the Arneson Theater Pedestrian Bridge at the Riverwalk in San Antonio, which showcases the fine workmanship and masonry taught to young men. The Riverwalk is a path that follows the contours of the San Antonio River, steps below the downtown area. At the end of the 19th century, the city constructed a system of wells to extract the riverwater. However, this caused the water level to drastically decrease, eventually drying out the river. As citizens began protesting the dwindling water levels and overgrowing landscape, plans of converting the river into a park arose. In 1911, a group of businessmen issued an engineering study that advocated for a conduit beneath the downtown area. Although the Riverwalk dealt with years of detrimental floods and heavy rains, the park survived, becoming one of the most popular historic landmarks and tourist destinations in Texas.
The 1941 Arneson Theater Bridge over the San Antonio River in Bexar County.
The Arneson Theater Bridge spans the San Antonio River in San Antonio. The bridge stands next to the Arneson Theater and is even used as a set piece for various productions. Also named “Rosita’s Bridge” after Rosita Fernandez, a musician who often played on the bridge, the Arneson Theater Bridge is just one of many masonry arches for pedestrians throughout San Antonio’s Riverwalk.
The 1941 Arneson Theater Bridge over the San Antonio River in Bexar County.
The arched design and stonework sought to enhance the contours of the preexisting landscape and frame the San Antonio River. The bridge helped preserve the river, while enhancing the aesthetics and layout of the city.

Historic Bridges Links

Historic Bridges Resources

Historic Bridges

Metal Truss Bridges

Suspension Bridges

Early Reinforced Concrete Bridges

Masonry Arch Bridges

Post-World War II Bridges in Texas