ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Officials in New Mexico are taking steps to protect a bridge that once carried wagon trains and Union soldiers across the Santa Fe Trail.
The Albuquerque Journal reports that the state Cultural Properties Review Committee recently moved to protect the Apache Canyon Bridge by placing it on the State Register of Cultural Properties and nominated it for the National Register of Historic Places.
The bridge crosses Apache Creek on private land less than a mile from the Valencia exit off Interstate 25.
It dates to about 1850, when the trail was thriving with travelers heading to New Mexico from western Missouri.
The state recognition gives the bridge tax credits for preservation.
Being placed on the National Register would draw attention to the site to help secure additional financial support.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.