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Coordinates: 33°7′45″N 97°6′13″W / 33.12917°N 97.10361°W / 33.12917; -97.10361
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{{Infobox NRHP
{{Infobox NRHP
| name = Old Alton Bridge
| name = Old Alton Bridge
| nrhp_type =
| nrhp_type =
| image = Old Alton Bridge.jpg
| image = Old Alton Bridge.jpg
| caption = Old Alton Bridge
| caption = Old Alton Bridge
| nearest_city = [[Copper Canyon, Texas]]
| nearest_city = [[Copper Canyon, Texas]]
| coordinates = {{coord|33|7|45|N|97|6|13|W|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|33|7|45|N|97|6|13|W|display=inline,title}}
| locmapin = Texas#USA
| locmapin = Texas#USA
| map_label = Old Alton Bridge
| map_label = Old Alton Bridge
| locmap_relief = yes
| locmap_relief = yes
| area = less than one acre
| area = less than one acre
| built = {{Start date|1884}}
| built = {{Start date|1884}}
| architect = [[King Bridge Company|King Iron & Bridge Manufacturing Co.]]
| architect = [[King Bridge Company|King Iron & Bridge Manufacturing Co.]]
| architecture = [[Truss#Pratt truss|Pratt through-truss bridge]]
| architecture = [[Truss#Pratt truss|Pratt through-truss bridge]]
| added = July 8, 1988
| added = July 8, 1988
| refnum = 88000979<ref name="nris">{{NRISref|version=2010a}}</ref>
| refnum = 88000979<ref name="nris">{{NRISref |refnum=88000979|version=2010a}}</ref>
| designated_other1=RTHL
| designated_other1 = RTHL
| designated_other1_date=2010
| designated_other1_date = 2010
| designated_other1_number=[http://atlas.thc.texas.gov/Details/55070116364 16364]
| designated_other1_number = [http://atlas.thc.texas.gov/Details/55070116364 16364]
| designated_other1_num_position=bottom
| designated_other1_num_position = bottom
}}
}}


'''Old Alton Bridge''', also known as '''Goatman's Bridge''', is a historic iron [[truss bridge]] connecting the [[Texas]] cities of [[Denton, Texas|Denton]] and [[Copper Canyon, Texas|Copper Canyon]]. Built in 1884 by the [[King Bridge Company|King Iron Bridge Manufacturing Company]], it originally carried horses and later automobiles over Hickory Creek at a location that once was a popular [[Ford (crossing)|ford]] for crossing cattle. The bridge takes its name from the abandoned community of [[Alton, Denton County, Texas|Alton]], which between 1850 and 1856 was the seat of [[Denton County]].<ref>David Minor, "[http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hva12 ALTON, TX (DENTON COUNTY)]", Handbook of Texas Online. Retrieved November 14, 2010.</ref>
'''Old Alton Bridge''', also known as '''Goatman's Bridge''', is a historic iron [[truss bridge]] connecting the [[Texas]] cities of [[Denton, Texas|Denton]] and [[Copper Canyon, Texas|Copper Canyon]]. Built in 1884 by the [[King Bridge Company|King Iron Bridge Manufacturing Company]], it originally carried horses and later automobiles over Hickory Creek at a location that once was a popular [[Ford (crossing)|ford]] for crossing cattle. The bridge takes its name from the abandoned community of [[Alton, Denton County, Texas|Alton]], which between 1850 and 1856 was the seat of [[Denton County]].<ref>David Minor, "[http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hva12 ALTON, TX (DENTON COUNTY)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120427015831/http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hva12 |date=April 27, 2012 }}", Handbook of Texas Online. Retrieved November 14, 2010.</ref> This bridge is the subject of several [[ghostlore]] stories featuring a [[vengeful ghost]].


The heavily traveled Old Alton Bridge remained in constant use until 2001 when vehicle traffic was moved to an adjacent concrete-and-steel bridge. Prior to the new bridge, it was necessary for motorists to signal with a car horn before crossing the single-lane span. The new bridge straightened out a sharp curve on both sides of the creek and provided additional travel lanes.
The heavily traveled Old Alton Bridge remained in constant use until 2001 when vehicle traffic was moved to an adjacent concrete-and-steel bridge. Prior to the new bridge, it was necessary for motorists to signal with a car horn before crossing the single-lane span. The new bridge straightened out a sharp curve on both sides of the creek and provided additional travel lanes.
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With vehicle traffic removed, the bridge became an important link connecting the [[Elm Fork Trinity River|Elm Fork]] and Pilot Knoll Hiking and Equestrian Trails. Today, it is a popular location for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Old Alton Bridge was included in the [[National Register of Historic Places]] on July 8, 1988.
With vehicle traffic removed, the bridge became an important link connecting the [[Elm Fork Trinity River|Elm Fork]] and Pilot Knoll Hiking and Equestrian Trails. Today, it is a popular location for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Old Alton Bridge was included in the [[National Register of Historic Places]] on July 8, 1988.


==Ghostlore==
==Goatman's Bridge==
Locally, the bridge is known as Goatman's Bridge, as it is said to be haunted by a half-man half-goat figure called [[Goatman (urban legend)|Goatman]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web|last=North|first=Caroline|date=November 9, 2017|title=Denton Urban Legend Put to the Test on Buzzfeed Web Series|url=https://www.dallasobserver.com/arts/buzzfeed-supernatural-investigators-visit-denton-bridge-to-see-if-its-really-haunted-by-a-half-goat-half-demon-10051546|access-date=January 18, 2018|website=Dallas Observer|archive-date=October 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014222355/https://www.dallasobserver.com/arts/buzzfeed-supernatural-investigators-visit-denton-bridge-to-see-if-its-really-haunted-by-a-half-goat-half-demon-10051546|url-status=live}}</ref> The belief is based on the legend of a black goat farmer named Oscar Washburn, who was said to have moved his family to a residence just north of the bridge. A few years later, Washburn, having become known as a dependable and honest businessman and dubbed the "Goatman" by locals, displayed a sign on Alton Bridge reading "This way to the Goatman". But the success of a black man was still unwelcome to many, and, in August 1938, [[Klansmen]] in the local government crossed the bridge and kidnapped Washburn from his family. They hung a noose on Old Alton Bridge and, after securing it around his neck, threw him over the side. When they looked down to see if he had died, the noose was empty. In a panic, they returned to his family home and slaughtered his wife and children.<ref>[http://www.legendsofamerica.com/tx-alton.html Alton, Texas and Goatman’s Bridge] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107055642/https://www.legendsofamerica.com/tx-alton.html |date=November 7, 2017 }} Legends of America</ref>
Locally, the bridge is known as Goatman's Bridge, due to a legendary demonic [[satyr]] of the same name, who is popularly believed to inhabit the forest surrounding the area.


Locals warn that if you cross the bridge at night without headlights (as the Klansmen are said to have done), you will be met on the other side by the Goatman. Ghostly figures and strange lights are said to appear in the surrounding woods, as well as reports of visitors being touched, grabbed, and having rocks thrown at them.
Alternatively, legend tells of a black goat farmer who moved his family to a residence just north of the bridge. A few years later, Oscar Washburn was known as a dependable and honest businessman, and North Texans endearingly began to call him the Goatman. But the success of a black man was still unwelcome to many, and [[Klansmen]] in the local government turned to violence after he displayed a sign on Alton Bridge: "This way to the Goatman's."


This legend results in the area around Old Alton Bridge being popular among paranormal investigators,<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-04-01|title=Old Alton Bridge - The Trails of Denton County|url=http://sites.google.com/site/trailsofdentoncounty/Home/the-trails-of-highland-village/elm-fork-trail---old-alton-bridge/old-alton-bridge|access-date=2021-06-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170401150304/http://sites.google.com/site/trailsofdentoncounty/Home/the-trails-of-highland-village/elm-fork-trail---old-alton-bridge/old-alton-bridge|archive-date=2017-04-01}}</ref> such as the crews from ''[[Ghost Adventures]]'' and ''[[BuzzFeed Unsolved|BuzzFeed Unsolved: Supernatural]]''.<ref name=":0" />
In August 1938, Klansmen crossed the bridge and kidnapped Washburn from his family. They hung a noose on Old Alton Bridge and, after securing it around his neck, threw him over the side. When they looked down to see if he had died, the noose was empty. In a panic, they returned to his family home and slaughtered his wife and children.<ref>[http://www.legendsofamerica.com/tx-alton.html Alton, Texas and Goatman’s Bridge] Legends of America</ref>

Locals warn that if you crossed the bridge at night without headlights, you will be met on the other side by the Goatman. Ghostly figures and strange lights are said to appear in the surrounding woods, as well as reports of visitors being touched, grabbed, and having rocks thrown at them. This legend results in the area around Old Alton Bridge being popular among paranormal investigators,<ref>[http://sites.google.com/site/trailsofdentoncounty/Home/the-trails-of-highland-village/elm-fork-trail---old-alton-bridge/old-alton-bridge Old Alton Bridge] The Trails of Denton County</ref> such as the crews from ''[[Ghost Adventures]]'' and ''[[BuzzFeed Unsolved|BuzzFeed Unsolved: Supernatural]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dallasobserver.com/arts/buzzfeed-supernatural-investigators-visit-denton-bridge-to-see-if-its-really-haunted-by-a-half-goat-half-demon-10051546 |title=Denton Urban Legend Put to the Test on Buzzfeed Web Series |first=Caroline|last=North|publisher=Dallas Observer |date=November 9, 2017 |accessdate=January 18, 2018}}</ref>


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
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File:Old Alton Bridge in Denton, Texas 3.jpg
File:Old Alton Bridge in Denton, Texas 3.jpg
File:Old Alton Bridge in Denton, Texas 2.jpg
File:Old Alton Bridge in Denton, Texas 2.jpg
File:Altonbridge1.JPG
File:Altonbridge2.JPG
File:Altonbridge3.JPG
File:Altonbridge3.JPG
</gallery>
</gallery>
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{{National Register of Historic Places in Texas}}
{{National Register of Historic Places in Texas}}
{{Denton County, Texas}}
{{Denton County, Texas}}
{{Urban legends}}


⚫
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Denton County, Texas]]
[[Category:Bridges completed in 1884]]
[[Category:Bridges completed in 1884]]
[[Category:Road bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Texas]]
[[Category:Road bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Texas]]
[[Category:King Bridge Company]]
[[Category:King Bridge Company]]
[[Category:Transportation in Denton County, Texas]]
[[Category:Transportation in Denton County, Texas]]
⚫
[[Category:Road bridges in Texas]]
[[Category:Pedestrian bridges in Texas]]
[[Category:Pedestrian bridges in Texas]]
[[Category:Former road bridges in the United States]]
[[Category:Former road bridges in the United States]]
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[[Category:Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks]]
[[Category:Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks]]
[[Category:Iron bridges in the United States]]
[[Category:Iron bridges in the United States]]
⚫
[[Category:1884 establishments in Texas]]
[[Category:Culture of Denton, Texas]]
⚫
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Denton, Texas]]
[[Category:Fauns in popular culture]]

Latest revision as of 00:41, 19 September 2024

Old Alton Bridge
Old Alton Bridge
Old Alton Bridge is located in Texas
Old Alton Bridge
Old Alton Bridge
Old Alton Bridge is located in the United States
Old Alton Bridge
Old Alton Bridge
Nearest cityCopper Canyon, Texas
Coordinates33°7′45″N 97°6′13″W / 33.12917°N 97.10361°W / 33.12917; -97.10361
Arealess than one acre
Built1884 (1884)
ArchitectKing Iron & Bridge Manufacturing Co.
Architectural stylePratt through-truss bridge
NRHP reference No.88000979[1]
RTHL No.16364
Significant dates
Added to NRHPJuly 8, 1988
Designated RTHL2010

Old Alton Bridge, also known as Goatman's Bridge, is a historic iron truss bridge connecting the Texas cities of Denton and Copper Canyon. Built in 1884 by the King Iron Bridge Manufacturing Company, it originally carried horses and later automobiles over Hickory Creek at a location that once was a popular ford for crossing cattle. The bridge takes its name from the abandoned community of Alton, which between 1850 and 1856 was the seat of Denton County.[2] This bridge is the subject of several ghostlore stories featuring a vengeful ghost.

The heavily traveled Old Alton Bridge remained in constant use until 2001 when vehicle traffic was moved to an adjacent concrete-and-steel bridge. Prior to the new bridge, it was necessary for motorists to signal with a car horn before crossing the single-lane span. The new bridge straightened out a sharp curve on both sides of the creek and provided additional travel lanes.

With vehicle traffic removed, the bridge became an important link connecting the Elm Fork and Pilot Knoll Hiking and Equestrian Trails. Today, it is a popular location for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Old Alton Bridge was included in the National Register of Historic Places on July 8, 1988.

Ghostlore

Locally, the bridge is known as Goatman's Bridge, as it is said to be haunted by a half-man half-goat figure called Goatman.[3] The belief is based on the legend of a black goat farmer named Oscar Washburn, who was said to have moved his family to a residence just north of the bridge. A few years later, Washburn, having become known as a dependable and honest businessman and dubbed the "Goatman" by locals, displayed a sign on Alton Bridge reading "This way to the Goatman". But the success of a black man was still unwelcome to many, and, in August 1938, Klansmen in the local government crossed the bridge and kidnapped Washburn from his family. They hung a noose on Old Alton Bridge and, after securing it around his neck, threw him over the side. When they looked down to see if he had died, the noose was empty. In a panic, they returned to his family home and slaughtered his wife and children.[4]

Locals warn that if you cross the bridge at night without headlights (as the Klansmen are said to have done), you will be met on the other side by the Goatman. Ghostly figures and strange lights are said to appear in the surrounding woods, as well as reports of visitors being touched, grabbed, and having rocks thrown at them.

This legend results in the area around Old Alton Bridge being popular among paranormal investigators,[5] such as the crews from Ghost Adventures and BuzzFeed Unsolved: Supernatural.[3]

See also

References

  1. ^ "National Register Information System – (#88000979)". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. ^ David Minor, "ALTON, TX (DENTON COUNTY) Archived April 27, 2012, at the Wayback Machine", Handbook of Texas Online. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
  3. ^ a b North, Caroline (November 9, 2017). "Denton Urban Legend Put to the Test on Buzzfeed Web Series". Dallas Observer. Archived from the original on October 14, 2019. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  4. ^ Alton, Texas and Goatman’s Bridge Archived November 7, 2017, at the Wayback Machine Legends of America
  5. ^ "Old Alton Bridge - The Trails of Denton County". April 1, 2017. Archived from the original on April 1, 2017. Retrieved June 21, 2021.

Media related to Old Alton Bridge at Wikimedia Commons

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