Canton Bridge Company
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bridge construction, Civil engineering |
| Founded | 1 January 1892 in Canton, Ohio, United States |
| Founder | John R. Reed |
| Fate | Became part of American Bridge Company |
| Headquarters | Canton , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Products | Bridges |
Canton Bridge Company was a leading bridge construction enterprise established in Canton, Ohio in 1892. It emerged as one of the foremost bridge builders in the United States during the early 1900s before becoming part of the American Bridge Company. The firm was responsible for designing and erecting numerous bridges that are now recognized on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).
History
The company was initiated by John R. Reed, a native of Canton, in 1892. Reed utilized his expertise gained from working at the Wrought Iron Bridge Company to build a significant foothold in the bridge construction industry. In 1900, Reed left to join the competing Massillon Bridge and Structural Company located in Joplin, Missouri. Following this, Canton Bridge Company rapidly expanded to become a prominent nationwide builder.
Notable bridges
This company constructed many bridges listed on the NRHP throughout various states, with several still operational today. Examples illustrating its regional influence include Cheat Bridge in West Virginia and three remaining bridges near Ozark, Missouri—Red Bridge, Green Bridge, and Riverside Bridge (which was closed in 2010 due to safety issues).
A selection of distinguished NRHP-registered bridges comprises:
- Wilson Pratt Truss Bridge, close to Chapman, Kansas
- Chapman Creek Pratt Truss Bridge, near Chapman, Kansas
- Sand Creek Truss Leg Bedstead Bridge, around Lenora, Kansas
- North Fork Solomon River Lattice Truss Bridge, near Lenora, Kansas
- Battle Creek King Post Truss Bridge, in proximity to Long Island, Kansas
- Jack Creek Kingpost, near Long Island, Kansas
- West Sappa Creek Lattice, spanning West Sappa Creek, Norton, Kansas
- Four Mile Creek Lattice, close to Wilsey, Kansas
- Swan Creek Bridge, near Forsyth, Missouri
- Turkey Creek Bridge, near Ragan, Nebraska
- Willow Creek Bridge, near Foster, Nebraska
- Canton Bridge Company Bridge at the Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, located in Kearney, Nebraska
- Adamson Bridge, crossing Niobrara River near Valentine, Nebraska
- Bell Bridge, also over Niobrara River near Valentine, Nebraska
- Big Blue River Bridge, nearby Surprise, Nebraska
- Borman Bridge, close to Valentine, Nebraska
- Ranney Bridge, spanning East Branch of AuSable River in Keene Valley, New York
- Witherup Bridge, over Scrubgrass Creek in Kennerdell, Pennsylvania
- Vale Cut-Off Belle Fourche River Bridge, near Belle Fourche, South Dakota (now dismantled)
- Multiple South Dakota Department of Transportation Bridges including No. 10-109-360 and No. 10-270-338 near Belle Fourche and Newell
- Stonelake Bridge, currently situated at Newell Golf Course, South Dakota
- Vale Bridge, crossing Belle Fourche River near Vale, South Dakota
- Cheat Bridge and Stouts Mill Bridge located in West Virginia
- ECS Bridge over Big Goose Creek in Sheridan, Wyoming
- EDL Peloux and EDZ Irigary Bridges found in Buffalo and Sussex, Wyoming
These projects highlight Canton Bridge Company's broad operational scope and lasting contribution to the development of American infrastructure.