Road Trip ~ Goodman Bridge near Douglass, Texas

One day this past week I met my Uncle Joe Buck in Douglass, Texas (about 15 miles west of Naconowhere) in search of the Goodman Bridge, one of the few remaining truss bridges in Texas which is still open to vehicular traffic.  This 150-foot long pony truss bridge (meaning it has no overhead bracing) was built in 1921 and spans the Angelina River at the Nacogdoches/Cherokee county line.  The last bridge inspection by the state rated it only 19 out of 100 due to the deteriorating understructure.  The wooden floor and iron sides of the bridge are in good condition, however.  The City of Nacogdoches has indicated its willingness to take the bridge and save it for historic purposes in Pecan Park in the event it is removed.  Approximately 325 vehicles per day still use this bridge for travel. 
 

If you ever go to Douglass (population 75), they have the Corner Store & Cafe and I highly recommend the cafe for a great lunch.  Chicken fried steak with cream gravy and French fries for $6.95!  Um-um good!