Old Alton Bridge

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]

Old Alton Bridge
Old Alton Bridge
Old Alton Bridge
Old Alton Bridge
Nearest cityCopper Canyon, Texas
Coordinates33°7′45″N 97°6′13″W
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

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.

Goatman's Bridge

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.

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."

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.[3]

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,[4] such as the crews from Ghost Adventures and BuzzFeed Unsolved: Supernatural.[5]

See also

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. David Minor, "ALTON, TX (DENTON COUNTY)", Handbook of Texas Online. Retrieved November 14, 2010.
  3. Alton, Texas and Goatman’s Bridge Legends of America
  4. Old Alton Bridge The Trails of Denton County
  5. North, Caroline (November 9, 2017). "Denton Urban Legend Put to the Test on Buzzfeed Web Series". Dallas Observer. Retrieved January 18, 2018.

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