Bellamy Bridge Historic Structure Report
A Historic Structure Report was prepared to facilitate the restoration and reuse of the Old Bellamy Bridge. The Jackson County Parks Department has proposed that the bridge be restored and reused as a pedestrian bridge, either at its original location or at another location. The report was prepared in accordance with National Park Service Preservation Brief 43 and was intended to describe the history and general condition of Bellamy Bridge and provide a framework for more detailed evaluations and planning.
Study Summary
The Old Bellamy Bridge, located on the upper Chipola River in Jackson County, Florida, was constructed in 1914. A steel Pratt through truss bridge, it replaced earlier wooden bridges at the site dating back to the 1840's. It is a rare example of what was at one time a common engineering solution to rural transportation needs. In addition to its importance as an historic transportation structure, it has become a part of Florida folklore through a local legend, the Ghost of Bellamy Bridge, which combines historical facts with a tragic fictional story.
The bridge was abandoned after a new bridge was built for State Road (SR) 162 in 1963. The Old Bellamy Bridge has deteriorated since that time and only its steel skeleton remains, isolated and inaccessible. Its restoration and reuse as a pedestrian bridge connecting trails on public lands at its present location or at another location on the Chipola River near Marianna has been proposed.
The bridge's general condition was reviewed for the report. Some bridge components were found to be missing and others have been deteriorated by corrosion or vandalism. Based on this preliminary review, the proposed reuse of the bridge appears feasible and more detailed evaluations and planning are recommended. Future actions should include preparation of detailed site and structure documentation prior to the bridge restoration or relocation, a feasibility study to evaluate alternatives for relocating the bridge, detailed planning of the necessary restoration, development of site plans and engineering design for the bridge reconstruction, and development of interpretive plans for the restored bridge.