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| Name | Frankford Stone Arch |
| Built By | St. Louis & Hannibal Railroad |
| Currently Owned By | Private Owner |
| Superstructure Contractor | Unknown |
| Length | 24 Feet Total |
| Width | 1 Track |
| Height Above Ground | 20 Feet (Estimated) |
| Superstructure Design | Stone Arch |
| Substructure Design | Stone Masonry |
| Date Built | c. 1890 |
| Traffic Count | 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is Abandoned) |
| Current Status | Abandoned |
| Significance | Moderate Significance |
| Documentation Date | 6/19/2016 |
In 1878, the St. Louis, Hannibal and Keokuk Railroad built a line extending from Gilmore, Missouri to Oakwood, Missouri. In 1886, the line would be reorganized as the St. Louis and Hannibal Railway. An additional 22 miles from Ralls Junction to Perry and from Oakwood to Hannibal were constructed in 1893 by the St. Louis, Hannibal and Kansas City Railroad, which was promptly merged into the St. Louis and Hannibal Railway. Because the railroad was in a remote area, business was difficult. The railroad was abandoned in 1943 and 1944, except for a small segment near Moscow Mills, Missouri; which would be sold to the St. Louis & Troy Railroad, and later abandoned in 1961. Today, little remains of this unique local railroad.
Located in the town of Frankford, this stone arch bridge carries the abandoned St. Louis & Hannibal Railroad across an unnamed creek. The first bridge at this location was a wooden trestle. In approximately 1890, this trestle would be filled, and the present structure built. The bridge consists of a single 24-foot stone arch span, with a standard semi-circle design. In addition, the bridge utilizes wing walls extending diagonally from the structure, typical for this design of bridge. This design of bridge was commonly used by railroads to replace pile trestles, as it was durable and easy to construct. A roadway deck was once fixed to the south abutment of the bridge, but this deck has since been removed. The masonry of the ceiling is irregularly cut, possibly indicating that the bridge was constructed with stone quarried nearby. The bridge was reportedly constructed by German mason Cornelius Foutes and his sons. Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair to good condition, with no significant deterioration noted. Despite the age and lack of mortar, the arch appears to be in good condition for the age. The author has ranked the bridge as being moderately significant, as it is one of a few remaining structures along the St. Louis & Hannibal.
Citations
| Railroad History Citation | ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele |