The Blackwater Preservation Society invites the public to a ribbon cutting ceremony on Saturday, May 11 for the newly installed scale model replica of a 19th century Pratt Truss bridge.

The founding of the town of Blackwater has deep connections with the railroad, and the Blackwater Preservation Society wants to highlight the preserve and display the rich history in the town’s roots. Bobby Danner says the ribbon cutting and the dedication of this replica bridge will be the first in a series of small projects the society will be completing during the summer.

The replica bridge was inspired by a local railroad bridge on the Union Pacific line, just a few miles beyond where it passes through Blackwater. The replica is a footbridge connects the Blackwater Depot with the Wabash Caboose Pavilion. The Pratt Truss Bridge was designed by Thomas and Caleb Pratt in 1844. This bridge design became part of hundreds of bridges created before World War II.

The ribbon cutting is scheduled for 12 p.m. Saturday, May 11, at the Blackwater Depot.