Waco’s Historic Suspension Bridge was the longest single-span suspension bridge west of the Mississippi when it was completed in 1870. The bridge was built with cable supplied by the John Roebling Co., who built the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.

Crucial to traders and travelers for well over a century, the bridge stands as an icon of Waco history and is the centerpiece of many community festivals and events including the 4th on the Brazos celebration and Brazos Nights concerts.

The bridge is flanked by two great Waco parks—Indian Spring Park on the west side, and Martin Luther King, Jr. park on the east side. The River Walk on the west side of the river extends from Baylor’s Ferrell Center, past the Historic Suspension Bridge and continues for an additional 1-1/2 miles to the Herring Ave. bridge. The completion of the River Walk on the east bank of the river allows visitors to walk or jog the River Walk loop and enjoy the view from both sides of the river.

Watch our Legacy of the Chisholm Trail video to learn more about the Chisholm Trail in Texas. This video was produced for inclusion in our Chisholm Trail mobile tour found in our Texas Time Travel Tours mobile app. Download the app for more videos and travel information: