The Story of Old Hardin Bridge

The Story of Old Hardin Bridge. . During the Civil War, Gillam's bridge at this location played a pivotal role in the advance of Union troops south toward Atlanta. After the Civil War and the destruction of the bridge, a ferry operated at this site transporting people and goods across the river in the late 1800s. In 1886, George P. Thomas of Atlanta was awarded a contract to construct a bridge to replace the ferry at a cost of $4,480. The bridge was a wood plank two-span through iron truss bridge. The bridge was rebuilt by the Austin Brothers Bridge Company in 1930. It received further rehabilitation in 1950 and was used until it closed in 2007 when it was deemed unsafe for further use. A new concrete bridge was completed in 2011, and the old iron bridge was removed in 2015, with the exception of the remaining stone support piers left standing on the shore and in the river. The road and bridge were named for Colonel William Hardin. During the early to mid-1800s, Hardin was a landowner in several Georgia counties, and was active in the 7th Division Georgia Militia, as well as political and business circles, before building a home near this site in 1847. He lived here until his death in 1854., Caption: Hardin Bridge as it appeared before being dismantled following its permanent closure in 2007. Photo by Eddie Douthit