bowstring bridges are one of the rarest types of truss bridges, and most date in the 1870s. they fell out of favor due to the limited weight they could support. any bowstring truss bridge that survives today is a miracle. truss bridges are always intricate structures, but bowstring trusses are even more so. there [are] lattice, v-lacing, and members all over. this large amount of complexity is balanced by the simple, graceful appearance of the arched top chord. the result is a bridge with incomparable beauty and appeal.