Niles Charter Township in Berrien County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Old Fifth Street Viaduct
1891 1977
Photographed By Trevor L Whited, July 4, 2023
1. The Old Fifth Street Viaduct Marker
Inscription.
The Old Fifth Street Viaduct. For more than 85 years, this limestone block helped support the Fifth Street Viaduct in Niles as its cornerstone. Built in 1891 by the Michigan Central Railroad, the viaduct was a steel truss bridge that served the public faithfully until it was razed in August, 1977. A classic example of 1890-era industrial design, the viaduct carried two lanes of traffic and a sidewalk across the main line tracks of the Michigan Central, later the New York Central, Penn Central and Amtrak. It was replaced by a grade level crossing, built by the Michigan Department of State Highways and Transportation. The replacement of the historic bridge culminated years of effort by the city of Niles.
For more than 85 years, this limestone block helped support the Fifth Street Viaduct in Niles as its cornerstone. Built in 1891 by the Michigan Central Railroad, the viaduct was a steel truss bridge that served the public faithfully until it was razed in August, 1977. A classic example of 1890-era industrial design, the viaduct carried two lanes of traffic and a sidewalk across the main line tracks of the Michigan Central, later the New York Central, Penn Central and Amtrak. It was replaced by a grade level crossing, built by the Michigan Department of State Highways and Transportation. The replacement of the historic bridge culminated years of effort by the city of Niles.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.
Location. 41° 49.758′ N, 86° 15.212′ W. Marker is in Niles, Michigan, in Berrien County. It is in Niles Charter Township. Marker can be reached from East Main Street. The marker sits on a limestone block behind the Fort St. Joseph Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 508 E Main St, Niles MI 49120, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 4, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2023, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. This page has been viewed 192 times since then and 89 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on July 3, 2023, by Trevor L Whited of Kokomo, Indiana. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
