The old and the new. The old truss bridge which crossed the Sabine River for three decades stands next to the support structures which are being constructed as part of the new Pendleton Bridge which will cross Toledo Bend lake
In 1966, there was not yet a Toledo Bend Lake. The bridge which crossed the Sabine River, which was dammed in 1967 to form Toledo Bend Lake, was a metal truss bridge built in 1936 to replace a ferry crossing across the river. It was tee-tiny compared to what its “replacement” two or three mile long bridge would be.
Both bridges were named Pendleton… though the older was more often called the Pendleton Gaines Bridge.
Some old aerial photos taken by the Texas Department of Transportation show the Pendleton Bridge during construction, and the old Pendleton Gaines Bridge before it was no longer to be used to cross the Sabine. I enlarged and clarified some portions of each of these photos. If anyone recognizes any structures or roads or anything in the enlargements, please share any details!
Pendleton Bridge construction, looking east from the Texas side of hte Sabine River
The Pendleton Bridge today, looking towards Louisiana from the Texas side.
Toledo Bend Lake today and the Pendleton Bridge which crosses it.
Closeup of construction of the new Pendleton Bridge in or about 1966
Old Pendleton Gaines bridge can be seen next to beams for the new bridge[/caption]
Bridge beams being lowered into place by heavy cranes
Looking from the Texas side of the Sabine River towards Louisiana, 1966
Closeup of the bridge under construction, with Hwy. 6 to the left
The old and the new. The old truss bridge which crossed the Sabine River for three decades stands next to the support structures which are being constructed as part of the new Pendleton Bridge which will cross Toledo Bend lake
Louisiana side of hte Sabine River, I am pretty sure.
Lone vehicle traveling east across Hwy. 6
I’m not sure which road this is.. it appears to be on the Louisiana side
The Pendleton Gaines Bridge… once a mighty bridge crossing a mighty river… until the far mightier Toledo Bend came along
Building a bridge
Texas side of the Sabine River
A bluff on the Sabine River north of the old Pendleton Gaines bridge
Winding roads
Crossing the Sabine River
An old Texas Oil Company (Texaco) station and possibly store on the Texas side of the Sabine River
Another look at that Texaco
Structures on the Texas size… businesses and residences