Bridges At The Foot Of The Rapids

This 1875 map clearly shows the location of the 1849 bridge and its three piers. The tollhouse of Mr. Goss is located adjacent to the roadway on the Maumee City side of the river. The Lautzenheiser Bros. “woolen factory” is shown on the SideCut Canal north of Mr. Goss’ tollhouse.

I searched for more than a year in libraries and private collections, but was unable to locate a known photograph of this bridge.

Map From Andreas & Baskin’s

Illustrated Historical Atlas of Lucas

& Part of Wood Counties, Ohio (1875)

The 1849 Toll Bridge, constructed in only 45½ days by Amos Campbell of Woodbury, New Jersey, was a huge structure for its day.

The sketch shows general dimensions of the Town’s Lattice Truss bridge. “Upper” and “lower” designations refer to the normal direction of water flow in the river.

In 1880, the Commissioners condemned the bridge, closing the upper track and posting a warning sign advising those seeking passage on the lower track that they did so at their own risk.

Sketch by Author