You can fly to the south of France and visit the Pont du Gard aqueduct, a masterpiece of Roman engineering built of 21,000 cubic meters of limestone over a thousand years ago. But, if you can't travel that far, there are some spectacularly beautiful examples of masonry arches right here in the USA.
Alabama
This gorgeous stone arch bridge built in 2002 is found in the 250-acre Blount Cultural Park in Montgomery, Alabama. It makes a perfect addition to the world-renowned Alabama Shakespeare Festival held here yearly.
This gorgeous stone arch bridge is located in Blount Cultural Park in Montgomery, Alabama.
Source: Yelp
Alaska
In lieu of a stone arch bridge, which I couldn't find for Alaska, I suggest the Shrine of St. Therese in Juneau. Situated on 46 acres, the lovely stone shrine overlooking the Lynn Canal blends seamlessly with its wooded surroundings. Thousands of stones went into building the chapel and other structures on the property. I especially love the arched windows and doors.
The Shrine of St. Therese in Juneau, Alaska was finished in 1941.
Source: gillfoto on Wikimedia Commons
Arizona
Formerly spanning the River Thames in London, England, the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, Arizona was dismantled in 1967 in England and reassembled in Arizona in 1971. The bridge was purchased by Robert P. McCulloch, the founder of Lake Havasu City who had a reinforced concrete bridge built, then clad in the original London Bridge stonework.
The foundation stone for the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, Arizona was relaid on September 23, 1968 by Sir Gilbert Inglefield, Lord Mayor of London.
Source: Ken Lund on Wikimedia Commons
Arkansas
The Shady Lake CCC Bridges were built by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) crews as part of the Shady Lake Dam project begun in October 1935. The bridges, built of native fieldstone with arches supported by corrugated steel culverts, were completed in December 1936 and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Shady Lake CCC Bridge No. 1 spans the South Fork of the Saline River on the eastern edge of Shady Lake in rural Polk County, Arkansas.
Shady Lake CCC Bridge No. 2 spans the East Fork of the Saline River on the northern edge of Shady Lake in rural Polk County, Arkansas.
The 40-foot long Shady Lake CCC Bridge No. 1 sits on the wooded slopes of the Ouachita Mountains over the South Fork of the Saline River in Polk County, Arkansas.
Source: Jerry Turner on Wikimedia Commons
Shady Lake CCC Bridge No. 2 is a double-span bridge about 60-feet in length and sits on the wooded slopes of the Ouachita Mountains over the East Fork of the Saline River in Polk County, Arkansas.
Source: Jerry Turner on Wikimedia Commons
California
You can find the Frank A. Miller Testimonial Peace Tower and Friendship Bridge on Mount Rubidoux in Riverside, California. In 1925, the city of Riverside decided to build a bridge to commemorate the work done by Frank Miller and his family. The dedication plaque reads:
Peace with Justice for all men. Anno Domini 1925. This bridge was built by neighbors and friends of Frank Augustus Miller in recognition of his constant labor in the promotion of civic beauty, community righteousness and world peace.
The names and coats of arms of all nations in 1925 are displayed on the stone tower. The stone bridge is a replica of the Alcántara bridge in Spain.
The World Peace Bridge on Mount Rubidoux in Riverside, California is a replica of the Alcántara Bridge in Spain.
Source: MissionInn.Jim on Wikimedia Commons
Colorado
Located in Prowers County, Colorado and built in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration, the Douglas Crossing Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge has six 14-foot spans which total 112.8 ft in length over Two Butte Creek.
The six-span stone arch Douglas Crossing Bridge in Prowers County, Colorado was built in 1936.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Connecticut
The Farmington River Railroad Bridge over the Farmington River in Connecticut is a beautiful example of a stone arch bridge and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This picturesque sandstone arched bridge is 464 feet long and 30 feet wide and has carried trains from Harford to Springfield for about 150 years.
The historic stone arch Farmington River Railroad Bridge in Windsor, Connecticut was built in 1867.
Source: John Phelan on Wikimedia Commons
Delaware
There are several old stone culverts and bridges in New Castle County, Delaware. This one is the New Castle and Frenchtown Railroad Bridge in New Castle, New Castle County, Delaware which was posted on Facebook. The Library of Congress has more photos of stone culverts which cross Perch Creek in New Castle County.
An old stone bridge at New Castle and Frenchtown Railroad Right-of-Way in Delaware still supports vehicle traffic on a county road.
Source: Delmarva History on Facebook
Florida
Named after the endangered Torreya tree, Torreya State Park is located about 13 miles north of Bristol, Florida. The park and the structures within the park, including the Torreya Stone Arch Bridge, were built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The picturesque bridge sits at the base of a ravine and is visible from the main hiking trail in the park.
This gorgeous picture of the Torreya Stone Arch Bridge in Florida's Torreya State Park was taken by Marsha and Bernie on The Nomadic Life.
Georgia
Take a Civil War tour of the Chickamauga National Military Park in Georgia and visit a beautiful example of a stone bridge. The Lafayette Road Stone Arch Bridge spans a creek on Lafayette Road in Catoosa County, Georgia near the Chickamauga National Military Park's visitor's center.
The Lafayette Road Bridge is near the visitor's center in the Chickamauga National Military Park, Fort Oglethorpe, Catoosa County, Georgia.
Source: Library of Congress
Hawaii
Two stone arch bridges can be found on Hana Highway on between Haiku and Kaipahulu, Hana, Maui County, Hawaii. Both bridges were built in 1910 with 20-foot arch spans and 25-foot total lengths. The Hahalawe Stream Bridge arches over Hahalawe Stream on Hana Highway while the Waiele Stream Bridge arches over Waiele Stream on the same highway.
The Hana Belt Road is a remnant of Maui's around-the-island road system, is relatively unaltered, and a portion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The road has the "highest concentration of stylistically consistent historic bridges and culverts in the State of Hawaii," according to the Library of Congress.
The Hahalawe Stone Arch Bridge is located on Hana Belt Road near MM 43 between Haiku and Kaipahulu, Hana, Maui County, Hawaii.
Source: Jet Lowe on Wikimedia Commons
The Waiele Bridge is located on Hana Belt Road between Haiku and Kaipahulu, Hana, Maui County, Hawaii.
Source: Jet Lowe on Wikimedia Commons
Idaho
The Deep Creek Masonry Arch Bridge spanning Deep Creek on FR 468A in Idaho's Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness preserve was built by Lithuanian stone masons in the CCC in the 1930s. The stones were hand cut and placed to perfection. The arch was designed by Arthur Kahl, the USDA Forest Service regional bridge engineer between 1934 and 1962.
Deep Creek Bridge in the Frank Church Wilderness Area in Idaho was built entirely of hand-cut stones.
Source: Rick's Reel Adventures
Illinois
The Illinois Central Stone Arch Railroad Bridges are three bridges in Dixon, Illinois built of native Galena coursed limestone. The stones were placed without bond and were cut to fit with keys to prevent slippage. These elegant bridges have remained virtually unchanged since they were built in 1852-1855 and are listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.
Illinois Central Stone Arch Railroad Bridges, bridge over First Street, Dixon, Illinois.
Source: IvoShandor on Wikimedia Commons
Illinois Central Stone Arch Railroad Bridges, bridge over Second Street, Dixon, Illinois.
Source: IvoShandor on Wikimedia Commons
Illinois Central Stone Arch Railroad Bridges, bridge over Third Street (nicknamed "Little Sister" because of its lower clearance than the other two stone arch bridges in Dixon), Dixon, Illinois.
Source: IvoShandor on Wikimedia Commons
Indiana
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933, the Stone Arch Bridge over McCormick's Creek in McCormick's Creek State Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. According to the NRHP registration form, this bridge is the "best example of an arched bridge constructed by the CCC in any Indiana state park." It is built completely of rough-cut limestone, most of it salvaged from the grout pile at a quarry east of Ellettsville. The cornerstone on the bridge contains photographs and the names of everyone who worked on it.
The magnificent Stone Arch Bridge over McCormick's Creek in McCormick's Creek State Park east of Spencer in Washington Township, Owen County, Indiana has a round arch with a 54-foot span that is about 25 feet high.
Source: Nyttend on Wikimedia Commons
Iowa
Built in 1889, the Elkader Keystone Bridge in Elkader, Iowa is a 346-feet long, double-span stone arch bridge over the Turkey river and is the longest of its type west of the Mississippi. It was built of limestone from a local quarry and took nine months to construct. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Elkader Keystone Bridge in Elkader, Iowa is a prime example of 19th Century stone bridge construction.
Source: Joseph Elliott on Wikimedia Commons
Kansas
If you happen to be in Clements, Kansas, you can find the Clements Stone Arch Bridge, spanning the Cottonwood River just about a half mile south of the unincorporated community. Completed sometime in 1888, this beautiful double-arched bridge has been closed to traffic for some time, but can still be traversed by foot.
The Clements Stone Arch Bridge in Chase County, Kansas is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Source: Brylie on Wikimedia Commons
Kentucky
Built in about 1930 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the Glass Mill Bridge is a four-span stone arch bridge in Wilmore, Jessamine County, Kentucky. This limestone bridge looks very old and European even though it is younger than 100 years. Its 125 feet length spans the Jessamine Creek on Ky-1268.
The Glass Mill Bridge suffered some damage in 2010 after a crane was put on the top of the span to remove trees and debris accumulated after a flood. Engineers monitored it for months before declaring it safe.
Source: Your Rice Family Ezine
Louisiana
Three stone bridges in New Orleans City Park in Louisiana date back to the early 20th Century. The first bridge, the Langles Stone Bridge was built in 1902 in memory of Angela M. Langles for her gift of $650.00 to City Park. Ms. Langles and her mother died on July 4, 1898, after the French steamboat they were on, the La Bourgogne sank after colliding with another ship in the North Atlantic.
The second stone bridge, The Goldfish Bridge, was built in 1902 and spans Bayou Metairie. Thirdly, is the Pichot Stone Bridge, a rough-hewn cobblestone bridge dedicated to the memory of Henrietta M. Leonie Pichot for her gift of $192.00 in 1901 to City Park.
The Langle Stone Arch Bridge sits over the mostly filled in Bayou Metairie in City Park, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Source: Infrogmation on Wikimedia Commons
The Goldfish Stone Bridge is the only way in New Orleans City Park to visit Goldfish Island and repair work was recently sponsored by the McLoughlin Family.
Source: New Orleans City Park
The Pichot Stone Bridge leads to a tiny peninsula overlooking Bayou Metairie.
Source: New Orleans City Park
Maine
During the early 20th Century, John D. Rockefeller Jr. designed and financed over 45 miles of carriage roads and 16 spectacular Carriage Road Bridges in Acadia National Park in the forests of Mount Desert Island in Maine. Every bridge is built with hand-hewn local granite. I couldn't choose just one bridge to post, so here are all sixteen!
Built in 1920, the Jordan Pond Bridge is a 20-foot single segment arch span and is 40 feet long.
Source: selectstone.com
The West Branch Bridge, built in 1931, stands 170 feet high with a 6-foot stone arch span and curves over the Jordan Stream ravine
Source: selectstone.com
Spanning Jordan Stream and built in 1917, the Cobblestone Bridge was the first to be built and is unique with its rounded boulder facing.
Source: Acadian Soul
Built in 1933, the Stanley Brook Bridge connects Seal Harbor Beach and Jordon Pond with its triple arches. Stanley Brook road runs under the main arch and the two smaller arches cross Stanley Brook and the Seaside Path.
Source: David Brossard on flickr
The Jordan Pond Road Bridge was built in 1932 and carries automobiles over the carriage road from Seal Harbor to Jordan Pond.
Source: BA Bartlett on Panoramio
The Deer Brook Bridge was built in 1925 and stands tall above Deer Brook near Jordan Cliffs with its narrow 8-foot span double arches.
Source: David Fulmer on flickr
A smaller 20-foot arch span over Chasm Brook is the Chasm Brook Bridge, built in 1927.
Source: Acadian Soul
Crossing Maple Spring Brook is the impressive Gothic-arched Hemlock Bridge, built in 1925.
Source: Gains and Losses: Life Through Sharon's Eyes
The 125-foot long Waterfall Bridge arches over Hadlock Brook and was completed in 1925.
Source: Kevin A. Trostle on Wikimedia Commons
Built in 1926, the 40-foot Hadlock Bridge also spans Hadlock Brook with its 20-foot span segmental arch.
Source: BA Bartlett on Panoramio
Built in 1927, Eagle Lake Bridge is 118 feet long and boasts a massive Gothic arch. State Route 233 crosses the bridge over the carriage road.
Source: Gains and Losses: Life Through Sharon's Eyes
The stunning triple-arched Duck Brook Bridge, completed in 1929, has a central 30-foot span with 20-foot spans on either side.
Source: Acadian Soul
An elliptical-arched bridge, the Bubble Pond Bridge has a 30-foot arch span and was built in 1928.
Source: Gains and Losses: Life Through Sharon's Eyes
One of the earlier built bridges, completed in 1919, the Little Harbor Brook Bridge has a 20-foot arch span over Little Harbor Brook.
Source: Gains and Losses: Life Through Sharon's Eyes
The magnificent Amphitheatre Bridge was built in 1928 and is 236 feet long with a 50-foot rounded arch span.
Source: Gains and Losses: Life Through Sharon's Eyes
Built in 1932, the Cliffside Bridge resembles a medieval English castle and is 232-feet long with a 50-foot span segmental arch spanning a ravine.
Source: Selectstone.com
Maryland
The Union Arch Bridge in Cabin John, Maryland was built under the supervision of Captain Montgomery C. Meigs of the Army Corps of Engineers. The 220-foot masonry single-span arch was the longest span the world had ever seen at the time and its Massachusetts granite and Seneca sandstone trim inspired a plethora of postcards. It is well worth a visit and if you'd like to read more about its history or see some of the historical postcards, check out the Streets of Washington blog.
The Union Arch Bridge in Cabin John, Maryland was completed in 1864 during the Civil War and was designed as part of the Washington Aqueduct.
Source: Moreau1 on Wikimedia Commons
Massachusetts
Ipswich, Massachusetts boasts the oldest documented surviving double stone arch bridge in North America--the Choate Bridge. The bridge was opened in 1764 and is a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Two elliptical arches of random-coursed granite ashlar blocks span 30 feet each. This is definitely on my "Must-See" list!
The Choate Bridge in Ipswich, Massachusetts is the oldest double stone arch bridge in North America.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Michigan
Constructed in 1891 and still standing today, the Ramsay Keystone Bridge is situated south from US-2 in Gogebic County in Ramsay, Michigan. The Chicago and Northwestern Railroad built this impressive 57-foot high limestone bridge with a center keystone at the top which locks the bridge into place. It is, indeed, a rare find as well as one of the largest stone bridges in Michigan.
The Keystone Bridge in Ramsay dates back to 1891 and is one of Michigan's largest stone arch bridges.
Source: Yooper 2 on Ugly Hedgehog
Minnesota
The Stone Arch Bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota is one-of-a-kind. It measures 2100-feet long by 28-feet wide with 23 arches made of native granite and limestone. It is a beautiful example of a masonry bridge which is also a National Historic Engineering Landmark.
The Stone Arch Bridge over the Mississippi River below St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has beautiful curves.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mississippi
The Halls Ferry Arch Bridge spanning Halls Ferry Road at Confederate Avenue in Vicksburg, Mississippi is the only extant bridge of its type in Mississippi. Built between 1936 and 1937 by Coggin and Deermont of Chipley, Florida, the bridge is a reinforced concrete closed-spandrel arch bridge faced with red brick. Its total length is about 50 feet, with a deck width of about 26 feet. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Halls Ferry Bridge spanning Halls Ferry Road at Confederate Avenue in Vicksburg, Warren County, Mississippi is a beautiful brick arch bridge.
Source: Library of Congress
Missouri
Between Kansas City and Independence, the Blue Ridge Bridge in Jackson County, Missouri arches gracefully over MO 12 on Blue Ridge Boulevard. The arch, built of rubble stone in 1906 by the Forrester-Swenson Construction Co., spans about 69 feet and the bridge length totals about 86 feet.
The rubble stone Blue Ridge Bridge in Kansas City, Missouri was rededicated in 2014 after Jackson County made improvements and reinforcements, declaring the bridge, "Good to go for another 50 years."
Source: Google Maps
Montana
The Triple Arches, a three-span masonry arch half-bridge about two miles west of Logan Pass on the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park, was built between 1926 and 1928. The Triple Arches are truly an engineering marvel--a solution to the problem of building a solid retaining wall that would be over twenty feet in depth. The arched half-bridge rests on the solid rock cliffs and ledges of Pollock Mountain, which eliminated the need for massive excavation. The Going-to-the-Sun Road is one of the few roads in the country designated as a national landmark and is definitely a Must-See!
Going-To-The-Sun Road Triple Arch Bridge in Flathead County, Montana
Source: GlacierNPS on Wikimedia Commons
Nebraska
Built in 1916 by the Keim Cement Company three miles east and one mile north of Tecumseh, Nebraska, the Keim Stone Arch Bridge remains almost completely unchanged and continues to carry traffic today. The limestone bridge's total length is 29 feet and its arch spans 28 feet and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Keim Stone Arch Bridge is located on 624 Ave. just south of 729 Rd. in Johnson County, Nebraska.
Source: Ammodramus on Wikimedia Commons
Nevada
There ma