A historical marker that explains the origins of the Rock Creek Bridge that once carried old Route 66 near Sapulpa, Okla., was stolen about a month ago, reports the Sapulpa Daily Herald.
Fortunately, the marker that was pilfered is not the original. The original marker is at the Sapulpa Historical Society Museum.
The bridge was built in 1921, predating Route 66 by several years. It carried the Ozark Trail over Rock Creek and was at the time called State Highway 7. The bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places.
From the article:
The marker, which was erected in 2004, says “Route 66 Bridge: This Bridge was built in 1921 to serve the Ozark Trail. It became part of U.S. Highway 66 in 1926 when the Chicago to Los Angeles route was initiated. The bridge served motorists traveling on U.S. 66 until a new highway was built to the south in 1952.”
A photo of the marker can be seen here.
When found, the thieves should be sentenced to community service polishing the marker, cleaning, and re-painting that bridge! That original section of 66 is, I think, one of the prettiest of the original alignments.
I was there July 4 and noticed it missing then. I hope they catch whoever took the marker.