When people talk about the Bell Ford Bridge, the conversation inevitably turns to its storied past in Jackson County, near Seymour, Indiana. The bridge’s history dates back to 1863, when plans were first drawn to span the East Fork of the White River. Completed in 1869, it was hailed as an engineering marvel of its time, built with a then-novel combination of wood and iron.
More than 150 years later, the bridge — or at least key parts of it — has found a new home at Geist Park in Fishers. Much of the structure now crossing Cool Creek was constructed using original metal and wood from the 19th-century bridge.
After serving Jackson County for over a century, the Bell Ford Bridge was closed in 1969 due to safety concerns. Over time, weather and age took their toll, and sections of the bridge collapsed into the White River. Fortunately, Jackson County officials were able to recover and store many of the remaining components.
“This is the only known ‘combination Post truss bridge’ remaining in the world,” said Hamilton County Parks Director Chris Stice, emphasizing the bridge’s rare engineering significance.
The bridge’s journey to Hamilton County began when residents in the Luxhaven area asked about the potential for a trail connection in their neighborhood. That inquiry led Hamilton County Commissioner Mark Heirbrandt to explore the idea of relocating a historic bridge to nearby Geist Park.
Working with a committee and bridge preservation advocates, Heirbrandt initiated discussions with Jackson County officials to bring the disassembled Bell Ford Bridge to Fishers. Ultimately, Jackson County donated the salvaged structure to Hamilton County.
Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness commended county leaders for their vision and collaboration across jurisdictions.
“None of this has to happen, but it does, because we have leadership at the Hamilton County level that likes to do difficult things well, on behalf of the residents of Hamilton County,” Fadness said. “For that, I am grateful.”
The newly restored bridge provides a vital connection along the Geist Greenway Trail, which now stretches from 96th Street to 131st Street in Fishers.
The total cost of restoring and relocating the bridge was $7.5 million, with funding support from multiple levels of government. The federal government contributed $2.77 million to the project.
By working together, Jackson and Hamilton Counties have preserved a rare piece of Civil War-era engineering and made it accessible for future generations to experience — not as a relic behind glass, but as a functional part of a modern trail system.
Here are some additional photos from the ribbon-cutting ceremony:
A look at the Bell Ford Bridge, entering from the south