Swinging Bridge
The Swinging Bridge was originally constructed in early 1875 by the Newton Short family whose land was divided by the Arroyo Grande Creek. The bridge spans a total length of 171 feet and is suspended 40 feet above the creek. Originally it was a held together with rope and had no sides until 1902. The bridge was given to the City of Arroyo Grande on July 14, 1911, the date of incorporation. A severe storm in 1995 totally destroyed the original bridge. Through the efforts and donations of local businesses, residents and some Federal funding, the bridge was reconstructed with steel cables. The claim that it is the only bridge of its type in California may hinge on specifics, but it is certainly one of only a handful of swinging bridges.
Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo County
Photographer: Andrew Schmidt