Traveling across the Mississippi River in 1885 was no easy feat. Built hundreds of years earlier, it was a formidable natural obstacle dividing the United States in two. For years, settlers, miners, and traders had used boats and canoes, but by the mid-1800s, railroad bridges became the only way to cross. But how many bridges spanned the Mississippi in 1885?
In 1855, the very first railroad bridge over the Mississippi opened—the St. Louis Bridge in Missouri. As the popularity of railroads rose, more bridges followed, including the Brooklyn Bridge in Minneapolis and the spans where the Minnesota and St. Croix Rivers met. As such, the number of railroad bridges crossing the Mississippi kept growing.
According to construction historian and author Joseph Ingersoll, by 1885, approximately 15 bridges- both wood and steel- had been erected within 1,100 miles of the Mississippi. Of these, four bridges were built in the Mississippi Valley alone, with two near St. Louis, one linking Kentucky and Illinois, and another in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Furthermore, six railway belts were built between Madison, Wisconsin, and Kansas City, and seven additional routes, including one from Minneapolis to Council Bluffs, crossed the mighty river. Of course, during the course of riverboat trade, seven ferry crossings were set up to complete the connection.
What’s more, two tunnels were dug through the Mississippi in 1882, allowing trains to move without hindrance. The first tunnel, known as the North Portal Tunnel, stretched over 600 feet and connected St. Louis with Carondelet, while the second tunnel, the South Portal Tunnel, ran 800 feet and connected Missouri to Granite City.
These fifteen bridges, seven ferries, and two tunnels crossed the Mississippi, making it a hotspot of railroad activity and a symbol of advancement in transportation.The presence of bridges along the length of the river meant goods and products could traverse the waters in a safe, efficient, and time-saving manner.
Advancement of Railway Bridges
Within a few decades, advancements were made in bridge-building with stronger materials available, such as concrete and steel. By the turn of the 20th century, these materials replaced the wooden bridges, and their increased durability allowed for larger spans and higher load capabilities. During the early 1900s, there was an average of two railroad bridges built for every 10 miles along the length of the Mississippi.
One of the most significant changes in bridge design was the introduction of cantilever bridges, which held the promise of relieving traffic congestion.The first double-deck cantilever bridge to span the Mississippi River was built in St. Louis, Missouri in 1874. Moreover, Louisville, Kentucky, has the underground railroad tunnel, built in 1895, which is considered one of the most sophisticated railway engineering feats of the time.
By the end of the 19th century, engineers had acquired sufficient knowledge and skills to build more durable bridges that could withstand the merciless power of the mighty Mississippi. Such was the case of the 1871 High Bridge, which connects Louisville and Jeffersonville over the Ohio River and remains in use to this day. It was drawn up under the supervision of Alfred W. Foster, one of the leading early American engineers.
Technology in Bridge Design
In the course of the 20th century, technology for bridge design changed yet again with the construction of the Panama Canal and the development of newer materials. In the wake of this new era of bridge building, engineers and architects experimented with more daring designs, such as steel truss systems and innovative support structures.
In 1920, the first bridge to cross the Mississippi River from Illinois to Missouri was established, with a length of 2,069 feet and a height of 105 feet. This bridge, with its intricate design and daring approach, has become a symbol of man’s pursue of engineering excellence.
Overall, the railway industry brought about a new era in transportation and connectivity to the Mississippi River. With advances in technology, materials, and construction techniques came lofty and strong bridges, which enabled for cross-state travel and goods transportation.
Environmental Impact
Despite the numerous positive aspects of building bridges across the Mississippi, there have been a few downsides. For instance, building a bridge necessitates the removal of trees, shrubbery, and landforms, which alters the aesthetic of the regional environment. While the bridges are technically considered as part of the river, they still affect the health of these habitats as they reduce the flow of water, oxygen, and sediment.
Despite these potential risks, the crossings allowed for a more efficient transportation of goods and services to distant areas, which benefited many states and regions near the river. In addition, the bridges increased tourism and leisure activities in the area.
Protection of Bridges
Bridge design today has evolved considerably since the late 19th century due to advances in bridge materials and engineering technology. Bridges are now designed to provide better protection from flooding and expansion of river volumes, thanks to the development of stronger and more durable support structures and materials.
Today, with around 50 bridges crossing the Mississippi River, the river is officially regarded as a major transportation corridor. This differs from the past, when crossing was done via ferry and fewer bridges across the river.It’s clear to see that the vast amount of bridges over the Mississippi and its tributaries have had a significant impact on the state’s economy and transportation.
Planned Rail Projects
The modern-day bridge design and construction practices have positively impacted the movement of goods and people over the river. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are three bridge projects actively planned along the Mississippi River, with one of them crossing the Mississippi River between Memphis, Tennessee, and Arkansas. The new bridge, which aims to relieve the burden on the existing I-40 bridge, is slated for completion in 2023, with an estimated cost of $390 million.
Meanwhile, two other bridge projects are planned over the lower Mississippi River near Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Vicksburg, Mississippi.The planned span in Baton Rouge is one of the most ambitious bridge projects under consideration along the Mississippi River. The bridge would be the longest in the United States, with a total length of 7,421 feet, and it would be the first and only cable-stay bridge over the river in the country. The project is estimated to cost about $1.4 billion.
Conclusion of Railway Bridges
Railroad bridges have brought increased connectivity to the Mississippi and its tributaries in the span of 150 years and have allowed for a highly efficient transportation of goods and services to distant areas. With modern-day bridge design and construction, transporting goods over the river is much safer, easier, and cost-efficient than it was in the late 19th century.
Today, there are over 50 bridges that span the Mississippi River and its tributaries, a number that will likely grow with the three bridge projects currently underway and many others in the pipeline.
