Little Rock in Pulaski County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
Smaller Rock, Big Bridge
La Petite Roche Historical Walk
Photographed By Mark Hilton, April 10, 2018
1. Smaller Rock, Big Bridge Marker
Inscription.
Smaller Rock, Big Bridge. La Petite Roche Historical Walk. Post-Civil War, railroads became vital to the Arkansas economy. Point of Rocks was a natural support for a railroad bridge on the river. In October 1872, construction began at the Little Rock with several tons of rock removed from the landmark. The Gazette urged readers to "take a photograph of the 'Little Rock' from which our city derives its name, before it is destroyed by the ruthless hand of civilization." But it took 12 more years before the Junction Bridge was opened in 1884, the second on the river following the Baring Cross (1873). Ultimately a total of six bridges were built: Baring Cross, Junction, Rock Island, Broadway, Main Street and I-30. In the 1960s, engineers realized five of the six bridges would require modification for increased river navigation. In 1970, the swing span of the Junction Bridge was replaced with a lift span, and a new pier was constructed off the Point of Rocks. With the decline in railroad traffic, the Junction Bridge was redeveloped into a pedestrian walkway in 2008.
Post-Civil War, railroads became vital to the Arkansas
economy. Point of Rocks was a natural support for
a railroad bridge on the river. In October 1872,
construction began at the Little Rock with several
tons of rock removed from the landmark. The Gazette
urged readers to "take a photograph of the 'Little
Rock' from which our city derives its name, before it
is destroyed by the ruthless hand of civilization." But
it took 12 more years before the Junction Bridge was
opened in 1884, the second on the river following
the Baring Cross (1873). Ultimately a total of six
bridges were built: Baring Cross, Junction, Rock
Island, Broadway, Main Street and I-30. In the 1960s,
engineers realized five of the six bridges would require
modification for increased river navigation. In 1970,
the swing span of the Junction Bridge was replaced
with a lift span, and a new pier was constructed
off the Point of Rocks. With the decline in railroad
traffic, the Junction Bridge was redeveloped into
a pedestrian walkway in 2008.
W. Marker is in Little Rock, Arkansas, in Pulaski County. Marker can be reached from President Clinton Avenue. Located along the Arkansas Riverfront Trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 400 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock AR 72201, United States of America. Touch for directions.
2. Smaller Rock, Big Bridge Marker looking at the Junction Bridge.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 18, 2018. It was originally submitted on April 17, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 302 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on April 17, 2018, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.