Haggard's Ford Swinging Bridge

In one of the pictures it appears that at least one of the support cables goes into the ground and that the attach point is not visible above the ground. That's not safe. If the attach point can't be inspected, then the bridge isn't safe.

My wife and I visited and photographed this unique bridge on July 7, 2008. Bridge is in excellent condition and we were happy to see it is being well-maintained. The locals have taken a lot of pride in this bridge. Great photos obtained even with everything grown up. Good example of preservation here!

Originally there was a ford across the creek here, and the nearest resident was called Haggard, hence the name Haggards Ford. As stated in the main info panel above, the bridge was a WPA project, completed in 1941. It was closed in about 1962 because of feared instability in one of the piers due to water erosion of the land around the pier. At that time another low water crossing was built (another "ford") just barely visible in the photos above, and this was the only way for vechicles to pass here until the new bridge was built about 4 years ago, at which time the roads leading to the ford were removed. The swinging bridge, since restoration in 1977 is blocked to vehicle traffic, and is a pedestrian bridge only. It is very narrow for a vehicle bridge. When you walk across it there is a gentle bobbing up and down of the deck as it deflects with the weight of your steps. The current land-owner of the land adjacent to the bridge keeps one approach mowed and trimmed, and currently the "setting" for the bridge is more attractive than the vintage photos shown above.

Originally there was a ford across the creek here, and the nearest resident was called Haggard, hence the name Haggards Ford. As stated in the main info panel above, the bridge was a WPA project, completed in 1941. It was closed in about 1962 because of feared instability in one of the piers due to water erosion of the land around the pier. At that time another low water crossing was built (another "ford") just barely visible in the photos above, and this was the only way for vechicles to pass here until the new bridge was built about 4 years ago, at which time the roads leading to the ford were removed. The swinging bridge, since restoration in 1977 is blocked to vehicle traffic, and is a pedestrian bridge only. It is very narrow for a vehicle bridge. When you walk across it there is a gentle bobbing up and down of the deck as it deflects with the weight of your steps. The current land-owner of the land adjacent to the bridge keeps one approach mowed and trimmed, and currently the "setting" for the bridge is more attractive than the vintage photos shown above.

Adolescent name calling is not the mark of a bridge enthusiast. Practice a little tolerance and attempt to accentuate the positive.

I like seeing different pictures of the same bridge. Some pictures are taken in different parts of the year, and some have different perspectives. I'd rather see too many pictures of a bridge than none.

Fred, you are STILL a wussy.

Recent photos from different perspectives, in diffent seasons, or previously unshown details; of any bridge, have significant value. I do submit photos of other bridges not currently listed for Arkansas. Certainly they will be appreciated as well. The importance of quality photo-documentation should not be diminshed.

I am forced to agree with some of the other posts. This is becoming a redundant photo page for Mr. Garcia. Hey Fred why don't you post some photos of bridges that have no photos yet instead of repeating what the web master and other people have done ?

Photos from my 2 January 2007 visit to this bridge at 11:30 a.m. This was my 3rd visit to this particular bridge. First visit was approx 10 years ago and the bridge is still in great condition (pedestrian only). Each deck plank is routed with the names of people who donated money or contributed time for the restoration project.

Webmaster's note: The photos that were here have been incorporated into the main site.

Fred Garcia and Jerry Davis from Marshall, AR visited the Haggard Ford Bridge on Tuesday 2 Jan '07. A modern concrete bridge is about 50 yds. upstream on Bear Creek which was flowing strong from recent rain. The upper main cable consists of approx. 100 individual strands of 1/4" diameter glavanized wire and it is not woven, but the portions from the towers to the anchors are wrapped with the same size wire. The hanger cables also consist of individual strands of wire (approx 20)that are looped around the main upper cables and a lower cable that supports the 2 face nailed 2" x 8" dimensioned joist. Additional cross wires are used diagonally below the decking. The bridge undulates noticeably when walked across. WPA 1941 is cast into the upper tower lintels. Bridge is in very good restored condition.

A similar bridge structure is located in Searcy County across the Middle Fork of the Little Red River at Leslie, AR (old Hwy 65). Only the concrete towers and the main suspension cables remain. Cables are woven. Towers do not have top lintels like the Haggard's Ford.

Another bridge of this style and also in abandoned/derelict condition is located near Scotland, AR (Van Buren County).

Would have never been down this road let alone to this awesome looking structure had it not been for geocaching. Great history in America and seeing this bridge as a historic marker was awesome!