Bertram, Burnet County
Two miles south of the Joppa Community Church and Center, and six miles northeast of Bertram, stands an Iron Truss Pratt bridge over the Russell Fork of the North San Gabriel River. On September 5, 1910, the Burnet County Commissioners Court called an election to fund the construction of two bridges within Burnet County. The vote passed and bids opened for the Oakalla Bridge and Russell Fork Bridge. Land for the Russell Fork Bridge was purchased from the Asher family, an active and well-known family in the Joppa area. The design and materials for the bridge were provided by the Missouri Valley Bridge & Iron Company of Leavenworth, Kansas. The total length of the 1911 Truss Bridge is 102 feet, with diagonals constructed according to the Pratt Truss design, first developed in 1844 under Thomas and Caleb Pratt. The Russell Fork Iron Truss Bridge played an important role in the everyday lives of the Ashers and many other families in the Joppa community. Traveling to neighboring towns to conduct business was simplified. In addition, life on the river and under the bridge was a large form of entertainment and relaxation during the great depression and World War II. The Iron Truss Bridges of Burnet County built in the early 20th century expanded the economic progress of the rural communities, introduced higher education to many young people and broadened opportunities, and also provided a place for entertainment and recreation for the surrounding area.