Belknap Lookout in Grand Rapids in Kent County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Sixth Street Bridge

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 4, 2021

1. Sixth Street Bridge Marker

Inscription. The Massillon Bridge Company of Ohio built this $31,000, four-span bridge for Grand Rapids in 1886. The rust-resistant wrought iron used in its four Pratt trusses accounts for its durability. In 1921 the western truss was shortened when the west bank canal was filled in. In 1975 the bridge was slated for demolition; but concerned citizens convinced authorities to save it. This structure, the longest, oldest remaining metal bridge in Michigan, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Erected 1981 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L0479.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1986.

Location. 42° 58.585′ N, 85° 40.395′ W. Marker is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in Kent County. It is in Belknap Lookout. Marker is at the intersection of 6th Street Northwest and Monroe Avenue Northwest, on the right when traveling east on 6th Street Northwest. Located in the Sixth Street Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 647 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids MI 49503, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Grand River (approx. 0.4 miles away); Great Flood of 1904

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(approx. 0.4 miles away); La Grande Vitesse (approx. half a mile away); Village of Grand Rapids (approx. half a mile away); First Baptist Mission Station (approx. half a mile away); Mayor Lyman S. Parks (approx. half a mile away); German-English Schoolhouse (approx. half a mile away); Final Resting Place of Gerald R. Ford (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Rapids.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 4, 2021

2. Sixth Street Bridge Marker

John Hunting - Spearheaded efforts to save the bridge. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, July 4, 2021

3. John Hunting - Spearheaded efforts to save the bridge.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 220 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 5, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.