James Barney Marsh (1856–June 26, 1936) was an engineer and bridge designer born in North Lake, Wisconsin.
Biography
He was a graduate of Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanical Arts in Ames.
He is known for reinforced concrete arch bridges, for which he held a 1911 United States patent. An example is the Cotter Bridge in Arkansas. The Big Creek Bridge in Oregon is similar in design. Several of these bridges remain and are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Hundreds of Marsh "Rainbow" bridges were constructed in the 1910s, 1920s and 1930s because of their popular design and appearance.
Marsh is buried in Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa with members of his family.
Notable works include:
Beaver Creek Bridge, M Ave. over Beaver Cr. Perry, IA Marsh, James B., NRHP-listed
Beaver Creek Bridge, 210th St. over Beaver Cr. Ogden, IA Marsh, James B., NRHP-listed
Big Creek Bridge 2, 2130 320th St. over Big Cr. Madrid, IA Marsh, James B., NRHP-listed
Blacksmith Creek Bridge, W of Topeka Topeka, KS Marsh,James Barney, NRHP-listed
Brush Creek Bridge, N of Baxter Springs Baxter Springs, KS Marsh,James Barney, NRHP-listed
Cedar Creek Bridge, FAS 96 Elgin, KS Marsh,James Barney, NRHP-listed
Conroe Bridge, E of Junction City Junction City, KS Marsh,James Barney, NRHP-listed
Court Avenue Bridge, Court Ave. over Des Moines R. Des Moines, IA Marsh, James B., NRHP-listed
