From White River to Geist Park: The 155-Year Journey of the Bell Ford Bridge

In a world where the old often gives way to the new, Fishers is bucking the trend. Come September, a piece of 19th-century Indiana will find a new home in Geist Park, bridging the gap between our past and future.

The Bell Ford Bridge, built when Ulysses S. Grant was president, is making its final move. After surviving windstorms, White River plunges, and over a century of foot traffic, this historic structure is getting a second life as the centerpiece of Geist Park.

A Bridge with Nine Lives

Built in 1869, the Bell Ford Bridge spent its first hundred years spanning the White River in Jackson County. But by the early 2000s, it was showing its age. In 2006, Mother Nature delivered what seemed like a knockout blow:

• A windstorm took out half the bridge
• The other half decided to take a dip in the White River

Game over? Not quite.

From Barn to Spotlight

Thanks to a bridge-loving historian (yes, they exist) and some forward-thinking county officials, the bridge pieces were fished out and stored in a Jackson County barn. In 2018, Hamilton County snagged the historic structure, giving it a temporary home in, of all places, the county jail.

Now, after a six-year wait, the Bell Ford Bridge is ready for its closeup.

Mark Your Calendars: The Big Move

On September 5th and 6th, the bridge will make its grand journey from Fisher Parks’ AgriPark to Geist Park. Heads up, locals: Florida Road will be taking a little siesta during the move, closed from 113th St. to Martha St. Don’t worry, you’ll still be able to get to your homes if you live here.

Why This Bridge is a Big Deal

The Bell Ford Bridge isn’t just old, it’s one-of-a-kind:

• It’s the world’s only remaining combination-post truss bridge**
• It’s been chilling on the National Register of Historic Places since 2005
• Many of its original components are still intact (talk about built to last)

** Quick note. We have no idea what it means to be a “post truss bridge” as it doesn’t seem to be a civil engineering term used often. If you happen to know to clarify, we’d love to know!

What’s Next?

Once it’s settled in, the Bell Ford Bridge will be more than just a pretty face:

• It’ll be a key player in the Geist Greenway Trail
• Visitors can walk or bike across a piece of living history
• It’ll serve as Geist Park’s crown jewel, drawing in curious visitors

The Price Tag and the Dream Team

Bringing a 155-year-old bridge back to life isn’t cheap. The whole shebang costs about $7.5 million, with nearly $3 million coming from federal funding. This project is a real team effort, with everyone from the Hamilton County Highway Department to Duke Energy pitching in.

More Good Stuff Coming to Geist Park

The bridge is just the beginning. Geist Park is getting a full makeover with updated restrooms, a new shelter, and more parking spaces. It’s already a great spot to enjoy nature, with trails, wetlands, and fishing spots. Now it’s going to be even better.

As Hamilton County Parks Director Chris Stice puts it, “Bringing the Bell Ford Bridge to Geist Park is a tremendous achievement made possible by the efforts of many partners. We’re excited to see this historic structure become a new landmark that the community can enjoy for years to come.”

So mark your calendars, Fishers. This September, we’re not just getting a bridge – we’re getting a time machine that’ll connect us to our past and carry us into the future. And the best part? You don’t need a DeLorean to enjoy the ride.

More info

Please direct all inquiries and requests for additional information:
Erica Foreman, Resource Development Specialist, Hamilton County Parks and Recreation