First bridge across the Mississippi River

First Bridge Across the Mississippi River

Upon this pier rested the first bridge to span the Mississippi River, forming the original connecting link for uninterrupted railroad traffic between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Construction commenced July 16, 1853, completed April 21, 1856, by the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad, Henry Farnam, Chief Engineer.

The first train consisting of a locomotive and eight cars passed over the bridge April 22, 1856.

This tablet was unveiled October 10, 1922 at the commemoration of seventy years service of the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific Railroad Company.

Rock Island Arsenal October 10, 1922
D.M. King, Colonel, Ord. Dept., U.S.A., Commanding


Submitted by
Bryan Arnold
@nanowhiskers