General Dean Suspension Bridge

The General Dean Suspension Bridge spans the Kaskaskia River and uses steel cables supported by two classical stone pillars positioned at each end. The design allows the structure to carry both vehicles and pedestrians across the water below.

The bridge was built in 1859 and replaced an earlier ferry and mud crossing system that local residents used to traverse the river. This construction marked a major improvement in how communities on either side could connect.

The bridge was named in 1953 to honor Major General William F. Dean, a native of Carlyle who achieved high military rank during the Korean War. This naming reflects how the community chose to recognize one of its own through a public landmark.

The bridge is accessible from First Street on the east side of Carlyle and serves multiple communities. Both vehicles and pedestrians can use the structure to safely cross the river.

This bridge is the last remaining suspension bridge in Illinois, making it a rare surviving example of this engineering style in the state. Its preservation allows visitors to see how such structures were built during the 1800s.

Location: Illinois

Location: Carlyle

GPS coordinates: 38.61111,-89.35778

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:44