The 4 Bridges of Miamitown, Ohio Including the One That Collapsed

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Before any bridge was built in Miamitown, Ohio, a ferry was used to cross the Great Miami River. The in 1829 James Ingersoll built a double span covered bridge which was double barreled with a walkway which was probably a luxury at that time.
The bridge lasted until 1894 but on July 13th, 1863, Confederate General John Hunt Morgan and his raiders came through western Hamilton County. A detachment of 500 men were ordered to come to Miamitown and burn down the covered bridge. However Major Bill Rainey from Cincinnati had a different idea. He brought scouts from Cincinnati and they took up all the planks on the floor so when Morgan’s Raiders arrived, they couldn’t cross the bridge. That forced them to ford the river on the north side. When they crossed the river, Major Rainey had an ambush setup where they fired a volley and killed 2 of Morgan’s men, wounded 3 and captured 3. Morgan’s men then rode away as they had Union Soldiers hot on their trail and the bridge was saved.
In 1894 the covered bridge was removed and a steel through truss bridge was built by the Cleveland Bridge Company. That bridge lasted until 1989 when it was removed and a temporary bridge was constructed while a new bridge was being built in Miamitown. Unfortunately, the temporary bridge collapsed while motorists were crossing. For more details on the bridge collapse and what followed, please watch the video.
GPS Location: 39°12'58.4"N 84°42'12.0"W

[@timdaugherty5921]

I dont care for this host

[@buckan8r999]

I agree. I’m not criticizing her, but the style is not genuine; trying to be too cheery.

[@schoolbusguy2025]

Miamitown Ohio: Singing Bridge Blue Rock Road Bridge [closed in 2001 and demolished in 2006]

[@gregatkinson7276]

The replacement bridges are always a sorry and characterless sight compared to the old towering suspension bridges.

[@Myr25636]

I and my kids should have been going across that bridge at the time it collapsed but the pharmacy was late getting my prescription ready so we were delayed. It collapsed about 30 minutes before we arrived in Miamitown.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

WOW!

[@Dark_Harmony]

In the late 80's, I was at a horse show at the Gymkhana that was by the old steel grated bridge, & I walked across it, & it scared the hell out of me.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

It really was a great bridge.

[@MrTomahawk01]

I lived along the river when the bridge fell. The water was moving so fast at the bridge didn't have time to sink. Metal was floating on top of water. I only recall seeing one of the cars floating down the river.

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Interesting.

[@deannahopkins3226]

My mother's maiden name is Gieringer. Beulah Rachel

[@shermancouch9964]

Great interview, and I enjoyed watching this very much. Keep doing these historical interviews!

[@historyinyourownbackyard2363]

Glad you like the project!

[@deannahopkins3226]

My moth

[@deannahopkins3226]

M

[@michaelwrooker]

I lived at the end of Main Street and was outside with my brother and our neighbor when we heard the bridge collapse. We had no idea at the time what it was but realized it when we heard about it later that day.

[@sh393]

Ross getting a shout out. .WOOHOO

[@nahhdudewth]

When did it fall?

[@xaenon]

may 1989

[@hoedownexpress]

My grandfather Harvey Chrifield has pictures, somewhere, when it collapsed. He was interviewed on the news and everything. 😃 He was nearly a lifelong resident of Miamitown and lays in rest there. Thank you for doing this video.