Old Alton Bridge, also known as Goatman's Bridge in the local community, spans Hickory Creek in Denton County, Texas. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, and the city built a new bridge across the stream in 2001 to accommodate increased traffic.
Because it connects the hiking and bridle trails of Elm Fork and Pilot Knoll, the bridge is popular among hikers today, despite the fact that cars are not permitted on it. Old Alton Bridge near Corinth is a fantastic spot to visit if you enjoy nature, photography, or a combination of the two. Hiking along the gorgeous trails is a great way to make a day trip out of your visit.
Historic iron truss bridge connecting the Texas cities of Denton and Copper Canyon, known as Old Alton Bridge (also known as Goatman's Bridge) is a popular tourist attraction.
The King Iron Bridge Manufacturing Company constructed the bridge in 1884 to carry horses and later automobiles across Hickory Creek at a place that was formerly a major livestock crossing point for the locals.
The bridge was named after the abandoned community of Alton, which served as the county seat of Denton County between 1850 and 1856, before being abandoned.
The heavily-used Old Alton Bridge remained in use until 2001, when vehicle traffic was diverted to a nearby bridge which opened in 2001. Prior to the construction of the new bridge, vehicles were required to use their car horns to indicate their intention to cross the single-lane span.
The rebuilt bridge smoothed out a steep curve on both sides of the creek and added more traffic lanes for both vehicles and pedestrians. After the car ban on the bridge, it became a more significant link between trails. The Elm Fork Hiking and Equestrian Trail as well as the Pilot Knoll Trail are now connected with this area.
Today, it is a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers alike to visit. On July 8, 1988, the Old Alton Bridge was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Read more: Corinth Community Park
Locals refer to the bridge as Goatman's Bridge because it is claimed to be haunted by a half-man, half-goat figure known as Goatman, who is said to haunt the bridge.
One of the earliest stories about this area is from a black goat farmer named Oscar Washburn, who claimed to have lived in a house immediately north of the bridge.
A few years later, Washburn, who had gained a reputation as a dependable and honest businessman and had been dubbed the "Goatman" by locals, put up a sign on Alton Bridge that read, "This way to the Goatman."
A successful black man, however, was still unpleasant to many, and in August 1938, Klansmen from the local government jumped over the bridge and kidnapped him and his family from their home.
They tied a noose to the Old Alton Bridge and flung him over the edge after fastening it around his neck. When they peered down to see if he had dead, they discovered that the noose had been removed. Because they were in such a panic, they returned to his home and murdered his wife and children.
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