In case you haven’t noticed, we here at Only in South Dakota LOVE bridges of every size, so whenever we discover a new one, we just have to share! While today’s bridge isn’t a new one per se, it is one that has a history we had never heard, which is why we are so excited to share this remarkable South Dakota bridge that you are going to want to visit:
Before I go on, can you name this iconic South Dakota bridge?
Wikimedia Commons If you said the Chamberlain-Oacoma, you would be correct!
Located in both Chamberlain and Oacoma (hence the name!), the Chamberlain-Oacoma is a nearly one-mile-long man-made marvel that connects the two towns via sturdy steel.
Wikimedia Commons
How did the bridge come to be? After creating its first highway commission in 1919, the state of South Dakota began construction on 5 large bridges with the intent to connect various towns along the Missouri River.
Flickr/Taber Andrew Bain
Not long after bringing together this commission did South Dakota have its new bridges, including the Chamberlain-Oacoma, which was dedicated in 1925.
Flickr/Don…The UpNorth Memories Guy… Harrison
As cars began growing, so did the bridge and in the early-1950s, the old Wheeler Bridge was floated upstream in an effort to save money while expanding the Chamberlain-Oacoma.
Flickr/Wayne Hsieh Guess what? It worked!
Today, this National Register of Historic Places attraction can still be visited and offers one of the most scenic and unique drives in all South Dakota!
Wikimedia Commons
For even more SoDak bridges, click on 5 Out-Of-This-World Walks In South Dakota That Lead To Fairytale Foot Bridges.
Wikimedia Commons
If you said the Chamberlain-Oacoma, you would be correct!
Flickr/Taber Andrew Bain
Flickr/Don…The UpNorth Memories Guy… Harrison
Flickr/Wayne Hsieh
Guess what? It worked!
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