A piece of San Angelo history is celebrating a re-grand opening this week. The historic Lone Wolf Bridge, which was retired from vehicle traffic several years ago, recently underwent a restoration for pedestrian use, and the City will celebrate with a ribbon-cutting.
The bridge, located at 700 East Avenue K in southeast San Angelo, was renovated this year by Class 43 of Leadership San Angelo, a leadership development program of the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, and in partnership with the City of San Angelo.
Years ago, before a bridge was built, the area was called Lone Wolf Crossing. The place was an important crossing point for buffalo hunters, local settlers, and soldiers from nearby Fort Concho National Historic Landmark. The first iron bridge at this location was built in 1888.
In 1922, a fire destroyed the original superstructure of the bridge, which was rebuilt the same year using a steel truss design while preserving the limestone piers from 1888. For decades, it served as a vital single-lane connection for horse-drawn wagons, cattle drives, and early automobiles on Paint Rock Road.
By 2007, the bridge was deemed structurally deficient for vehicles. To preserve its history, the City of San Angelo acquired and converted it into a pedestrian walkway in 2011, completing safety upgrades while retaining its charm. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a Texas Historic Bridge.
The ribbon-cutting celebration will be at 5 pm at the bridge on Thursday, September 10th. Anyone is welcome to attend.
