If you've been on highway 128 by the Colorado River for any distance outside of Moab you have probably driven by the historic Dewey Bridge. Built in 1916.
Unfortunately, a kid playing with matches at his parents campsite started a raging fire that burned it down plus 10 acres yesterday.
Man, how horrible. I guess there have always been accidental fires for really dumb reasons, but this does seem so typical of families in general to where whether it's the local grocery store or mall, the kids seem to be in control, running and doing whatever they want with no parental supervision. How many times I have seen kids now, even just 2 or 3 years old running off without their parents even noticing, or they are tearing up things and the parents don't say a word... I have no idea if that is the case here, but man, what a sad thing.... I just know I have taken my kids camping from the time they were in diapers, and I would have never first off left them alone by a campfire, or left anything around that they could have started a fire with... I hope the parents don't get away without some repercusions!
The saddest part is the population density in that region is not enough to provide for revenue to rebuild it.
very unlikely a replacement will ever be made.
and if it is, it will be far less beautiful than this bridge was.
I dont want to sound harsh but what made the bridge special? Any backround on it? It looks like just a foot bridge. Sorry if that sounded bad but I am curious to know its historic meaning. Thx!
DizzelDel wrote:
I dont want to sound harsh but what made the bridge special? Any backround on it? It looks like just a foot bridge. Sorry if that sounded bad but I am curious to know its historic meaning. Thx!
There is a lot written about this bridge. Here is a place to start:
I can just tell you from my experience that this is one of the most beautiful parts of the country/world and that this bridge is no common foot bridge.
DizzelDel wrote:
I dont want to sound harsh but what made the bridge special? Any backround on it? It looks like just a foot bridge. Sorry if that sounded bad but I am curious to know its historic meaning. Thx!
You don't sound harsh, you sound uninformed.
This is a BIG thing out here.
The Dewey Bridge is listed on the Registry of Historic Places.
The Dewey Bridge was almost 100 years old.
At one time it was the second largest suspension bridge in the US West of the Mississippi.
It was used by early settlers, and ranchers bringing their herds to graze and then to market.
It at one time was the only crossing of the Colorado River until the Sea of Cortez.
It was the only gateway between remote settler towns in Utah and the large cities of Colorado like Grand Junction and Denver.
In more modern times it was the "familiar friend" to those traveling to Moab via the river road. It signified the start of the true scenic byway and entry into canyon country. It was part of the Kokopelli mountain bike trail and a piece of the "Vanishing Americana." so many are concerned about.
