129 YEAR OLD ROCKSDALE-EGYPT RIDGE BRIDGE SET FOR REPLACEMENT, MAYBE - Rocksdale Store-Post Office Was Center Of World

(02/27/2018)

A concrete marker, used before modern road signs,near the 1889 Egypt Ridge Bridge By Bob Weaver A new Rocksdale-Egypt Ridge Bridge, across the West Fork of the Little Kanawha at Rocksdale (Altizer Rd.), was set to go out for bid in 2017, according to the WV Department of Highways. Hasn't happened yet. The bridge, built in 1889, is likely one of the most unsafe, dilapidated bridges in the Mountain State. At the time the bridge was built, the Rocksdale Store and Post Office was also established, the hub of the long-gone Village of Rocksdale for about 80 years. The Egypt Ridge Bridge is a rusty affair, still being used after 128 years Oldtimers said it was a sight to behold in the backwoods in the communities. At long last, lower forkers could cross the river with their wagons, automobiles and trucks and travel narrow the curvaceous Egypt Ridge to the City of Spencer, but most importantly to drive or truck cattle and livestock to the Spencer livestock sale. During the last century the bridge was used as a high jump into the swimming hole at the confluence of Henry's Fork and the West Fork, a dangerous idea now that the depth of the water has declined. Generations have used the swimmin' hole, area residents still come to the spot to camp and fish during summer days. The other nearby alternative to travel to Spencer is the low-water "submarine" just above the bridge, connecting Henry's Fork Road with Calhoun and Roane on US 33-119. Locals have been hedging bets for the day when news will spread that a car or truck has crashed into the river, the bridge collapsing. It may make it yet. HAND DRAWN IMAGE OF ROCKSDALE POST OFFICE Image of store drawn by former Spencer resident David Weaver, managed by more that a dozen families over the course of its 80 year history, Rocksdale named for the huge rocks that hang over the long-gone village

Hur Herald ®from Sunny Cal The information on these pages, to the extent the law allows, remains the exclusive property of Bob Weaver and Dianne Weaver The Hur Herald. All information may be freely used but must not be sold or used in any type of commercial endeavor, or used on any web site without the express permission of the owners ©Bob and Dianne Weaver, The Hur Herald, 1999, 2000, 2001