Remnants of Change: The Railroad Bridge

Remnants of Change: The Railroad Bridge. . While Falls Park has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last 60 years, the presence of the dam and the footprint of the falls crossing rail bridge remain the only unchanged aspect of the riverfront and the park., The first train crossed the railroad bridge across the Falls in the spring of 1906. The bridge connected trains west of the Big Sioux River with the freight and passenger depots on the east side of the river and, ultimately, to larger cities like Minneapolis and Chicago. The railroad also brought with it industry to downtown and the Falls Park area., Aerial View of Flooding at Falls Park, 1952. Photo Courtesy Siouxland Heritage Museums., The bridge was originally constructed as a 777' length timber trestle bridge. During railroad realignment in 1916, the southern portion of the bridge was replaced with a new deck and concrete piers. Flooding in 1948 spurred replacement of the northern section, resulting in the structure you see on site today., Although the railroad today still carries freight, industrial uses have now moved elsewhere as advancements in energy production and freight shipping allow for development away from the river. The park has been converted back to a scenic public park space, welcoming visitors and tourists alike., View From the Queen Bee Mill Toward Seney Island and Downtown Sioux Falls Before Railroad Bridge Construction, Taken Between 1895 - 1905. Photo Courtesy Siouxland Heritage Museums., The bridge was constructed by the South Dakota Central Railway and was sold to the Great Northern Railway in 1916. Under new ownership, the tracks were upgraded and realigned. Great Northern eventually became the Burlington Northern and, ultimately, BNSF Railway., Queen Bee Mill Dam and Railroad Bridge, circa 1905. Photo Courtesy Siouxland Heritage Museums.