Chariton Township in Glasgow in Howard County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Worlds First Large All-Steel Bridge

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 16, 2021

1. Worlds First Large All-Steel Bridge Marker

Inscription.
In 1877, the Chicago & Alton Railroad decided to build a bridge across the Missouri River at Glasgow. It was to be the first large all-steel bridge in the world. Mr. A.F. Hay, of Burlington, Iowa, had developed a steel that met all specifications & Gen. Wm. Smith, Project Chief Engineer, recommended its use in the structure. In May 1878 work began. There were five 314 ft. spans 1150 ft. of approaches & 850 ft. of wooden trestle. At completion of all work the cost was over $500,000. In June 1879 dedication was held in Vaughn’s pasture (now Stump Island) over 7,000 people attended. The original bridge served until the early 1900’s when it had to be replaced due to more traffic & larger engines. The present bridge was built along side the old one before its demolition thus, assuring no interruption in service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1878.

Location. 39° 13.58′ N, 92° 50.866′ W. Marker is in Glasgow, Missouri, in Howard County. It is in Chariton Township. It is at the intersection of Water Street and Market Street, on the right when traveling south on Water Street. Marker is located on the Missouri River Overlook platform. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Glasgow MO 65254, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Little Dixie

and in the Missouri River Corridor.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and on the Santa Fe Trail Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Minnie (here, next to this marker); Glasgow War Memorial (here, next to this marker); The Lewis & Clark Expedition Across Missouri (a few steps from this marker); History of Glasgow (within shouting distance of this marker); Saint Mary's Catholic Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lewis Library (approx. 0.2 miles away); Evangelical United Brethren Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Methodist Church / Glasgow Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Glasgow.

Also see . . .
1. First all steel bridge in world: 1879 C&A Bridge over Missouri River in Glasgow, MO. Industrial History website entry:

This link includes various historical photos of the bridge, including: Circa 1880 photo showing the Glasgow-Chicago and Alton Railroad Bridge over the Missouri River between Howard County, Missouri and Saline County, Missouri. The bridge, built in 1878, was first all-steel bridge in the world. In 1900 it was rebuilt with Parker truss spans and is still in use.

(Submitted on February 25, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Glasgow Railroad Bridge. Wikipedia entry:

The Glasgow Railroad Bridge is four-span through truss bridge over the Missouri River belonging to the Kansas City Southern railroad between Howard County, Missouri and Saline County, Missouri. It is considered to be the
via Kansas City Public Library, 1879

2. Glasgow Steel Bridge
Photo of the Glasgow Bridge spanning the Missouri River at Glasgow, Missouri. People can been seen standing on the bridge, as well as along the railroad tracks below.
first All Steel Bridge made in the world. It was originally built in 1878-79 as a five-span Whipple through truss. In 1900 it was rebuilt with Parker truss spans. It was damaged in the Great Flood of 1993.

(Submitted on February 25, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 16, 2021

3. Worlds First Large All-Steel Bridge Marker

(looking south across the Missouri River Overlook • Missouri River and Glasgow Railroad Bridge in background)

Missouri River and Glasgow Railroad Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, August 16, 2021

4. Missouri River and Glasgow Railroad Bridge

(looking south from marker)

Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,853 times since then and 143 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 25, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 2. submitted on June 4, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 3, 4. submitted on February 25, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.