General Dean Suspension Bridge

The General Dean Suspension Bridge spans the Kaskaskia River at Carlyle in Clinton [County, Illinois], United States. It is named after Major General William F. Dean, a native of Carlyle who served during the Korean War. The bridge is listed on the National [Register of Historic Places]. It was added to the Register in 1973.

History

The bridge was originally constructed in 1859 at a cost of $40,000. The original bridge remained in operation for nearly seventy years. Before the bridge was constructed, travelers were forced to cross the Kaskaskia at Carlyle by ferry or over a mud bridge. In 1950 the Historic [American Buildings Survey] recognized the bridge for its architectural significance. HABS recommended preservation of the bridge. The Illinois General Assembly set aside $20,000 for bridge restoration in 1951, and in 1953 the bridge was named after Major General Dean.