Last week, I made my way out to the Old River Bridge, just south of downtown Benton (Saline County). The weather was hot, the air still, and the Saline River below shimmered in the afternoon sun. It was a peaceful scene—one that reminded me why this spot has always held such significance for our community.
The view from the bridge is nothing short of breathtaking. Looking out over the winding river and surrounding landscape, it’s easy to understand why generations have been drawn to this place. But this visit wasn’t just about the scenery—it was about appreciating the incredible work that’s gone into preserving this historic structure.
Through the efforts of local preservationists, historical societies, and passionate residents, a campaign was launched to secure funding, garner government support, and undertake the necessary repairs. Volunteers contributed their time, expertise, and enthusiasm to restore the bridge’s structural integrity while preserving its original character.
The restored bridge now not only serves its original purpose but also acts as a historical landmark, attracting visitors and educating future generations about the region’s past. This success story highlights how proactive efforts and community spirit can save irreplaceable pieces of history.
Constructed between 1889 and 1891 by the Youngstown Bridge Company of Ohio for $5,000, this impressive 260-foot iron truss span once facilitated travel along the historic Military Road, a key segment of the Southwest Trail that connected early Arkansas settlers. Located at Saline Crossing, the first permanent white settlement in Saline County, founded by William Lockhart in 1815, the bridge is steeped in local history.
After serving faithfully for decades, the wooden deck gave way under the weight of a heavy truck in April 1974, resulting in the unfortunate closure to all traffic. Despite this setback, the bridge stood resilient. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in September 1977 and appeared in the film Sling Blade (1996), where Billy Bob Thornton was famously framed against its iconic structure.
In the early 2000s, Benton’s mayor, Lynn Moore, ignited community enthusiasm, establishing Saline Crossing Regional Park and Recreational Area, Inc. in 2008 to spearhead the restoration of both the bridge and its accompanying riverside park.
A significant boost came in the form of a $500,000 federal grant through the Transportation Alternatives Program, supplemented by contributions from ARDOT, Metroplan, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration, which helped propel the project forward.
In 2018, the bridge was meticulously disassembled and transported to Michigan, where specialists refurbished nearly 288 steel components and replaced worn parts, utilizing 80,000 pounds of steel, 296 white oak timbers, and over 2,000 hardware components.
The reassembly of the bridge commenced on March 11, 2024, marked by a groundbreaking event led by Saline County Judge Matt Brumley and other community leaders, signaling the start of this critical phase of reconstruction.
By spring 2025, crews had successfully laid deep pier foundations and reconnected the trusses, with the ambitious aim of becoming the oldest bridge in Arkansas still standing at its original site. On June 24, 2025, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the reopening of the bridge to pedestrians, heralding a new chapter in community connection.
This bridge transcends mere nostalgia; it serves as a vital link in the expansive 65-mile Southwest Trail, set to stretch from Hot Springs (Garland County) to Little Rock (Pulaski County), offering opportunities for recreation, tourism, and non-motorized transit. With its restored structure once again bridging the banks of Benton and Haskell, the Old River Bridge stands as both a cherished historical monument and a trail milestone—a true gateway to the future.
The Old River Bridge is no longer forgotten—it’s a place to gather, to reflect, and to connect with the natural and historic beauty of Saline County. And after seeing it for myself, I can say with certainty: the effort was worth it.
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