Minneapolis in Hennepin County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The Stone Arch Bridge

— Saint Anthony Falls Heritage Trail —

By Joseph Cavinato, July 18, 2009

1. The Stone Arch Bridge Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In 1879 St. Paul railroad magnate James J. Hill opened his "Manitoba line" to the Canadian border, linking the wheat fields of the Red River Valley with the flour mills of Minneapolis. To improve railroad access at the falls he built this 2,100-foot bridge that stands as a monument to the railroad era and Hill's vision. Completed in 1883 with a sweeping curve at its west end, the bridge is a unique example of skilled masonry construction. In 1974 it was named a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Historic Civil Engineering Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1879.

Location. 44° 58.873′ N, 93° 15.052′ W. Marker is in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in Hennepin County. Marker is located at the Father Hennepin Bluffs Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4 6th Avenue SE, Minneapolis MN 55414, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Marcy~Holmes (a few steps from this marker); Father Hennepin Bluffs

The Stone Arch Bridge Marker view image. Click for full size.

By Joseph Cavinato, July 18, 2009

2. The Stone Arch Bridge Marker view

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(a few steps from this marker); Portaging Around the Falls (within shouting distance of this marker); Lucy Wilder Morris (within shouting distance of this marker); Pettingill's Wonderful Water (within shouting distance of this marker); Sawmilling: The City's First Industry (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Pillsbury A Mill (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Pillsbury A Mill (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Minneapolis.

More about this marker. This bridge spans the Mississippi River at St. Anthony Falls.

Also see . . . St. Anthony Falls Heritage Trail Information. (Submitted on July 23, 2009.)

The Stone Arch Bridge image. Click for full size.

By Joseph Cavinato, July 19, 2009

3. The Stone Arch Bridge

The Stone Arch Bridge Marker and bridge image. Click for full size.

By Joseph Cavinato, July 18, 2009

4. The Stone Arch Bridge Marker and bridge

Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 23, 2009, by Joseph Cavinato of Fountain Hills, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,322 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 23, 2009, by Joseph Cavinato of Fountain Hills, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.