From the annals of engineering marvels – In 1891 construction began on the Pecos High Bridge near Langtry, Texas.  The bridge which was completed in 1892 served the Sunset Route of the Southern Pacific Railroad.  The bridge was supported by 24 towers and spanned 2180 feet crossing the Pecos over a deep gorge.  At 321 feet high it was the highest railroad bridge in North America.  Famed Judge Roy Bean served as the coroner for many of the men killed during construction.  The bridge served the railroad for over 50 years and was replaced by another even higher bridge in 1944.  It is worth a stop at the roadside park high above the river on the southeast side of Hwy 90 to view the new bridge and the magnificent gorge of the Pecos River as it nears its confluence with the Rio Grande.