Butler’s Henry Creek Stone Bridge

In northwest Butler County, Kansas, stands an interesting an picturesque simple 40′ span stone arch bridge which carries NW130th Street over Henry Creek. This 1910 stone arch bridge was built by C. C. Jameson, and showcases the quality work done by this El Dorado stonemason.

The Henry Creek Bridge.

The Bridge

The NW 130th Henry Creek Bridge is in excellent condition, and shows very little signs of age or modification save for concrete curbs on top. It appears to have been repointed some time in more recent years. From the road, its most notable trait is the characteristic stone arch bridge “hump” which clearly marks this bridge. From underneath, a remarkable characteristic of this particular stone bridge is that the lowest masonry levels are not, in fact, stone, but of concrete, likely unreinforced.

The underside of the Henry Creek Bridge. Of interest is the solid block of concrete under the arch. This is clearly an original part of the bridge.

Under Butler County engineer Buskirk, stone bridges were sometimes designed with this feature. The reason was to prevent waterline deterioration of the limestone due to freeze-thaw cycles. That this design has worked is evident, for the Henry Creek Bridge shows no signs of water related damage at the foundations.

The Future of the Bridge

The Henry Creek Bridge was, at least at one point, scheduled for “reconstruction.” However, the original deadline is past and the bridge remains at the same place performing as it has for the last century. Structurally, the bridge appears to be quite sound, and good for a long time to come. Fortunately, Butler County has been preserving rather than replacing stone bridges as of late, and this bridge is definitely a good candidate for continued service and preservation, being almost completely unaltered and in good condition. Our hopes are that this bridge remains in service for years to come.