Tuscaloosa in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)

The M & O Railroad Trestle

Photographed by Tim Carr, March 13, 2010

1. The M & O Railroad Trestle Marker

Inscription. This wooden and steel truss bridge was constructed for the Mobile and Ohio Railroad in 1898 by civil engineer Benjamin Hardaway, an 1887 graduate of The University of Alabama and former Tuscaloosa City Engineer. Originally 135-feet high with a 110-foot clearance, it was once considered by many to be the country's longest trestle at 3600 feet. This bridge, along with Old Locks One, Two and Three, greatly improved transportation in West Alabama and heralded an era of economic development in the early 20th century. In later years the M & O Railroad became successively the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio; the Illinois Central Gulf; and the Kansas City Southern.

Erected 2002 by Alabama Historical Association.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Alabama Historical Association series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.

Location. 33° 12.637′ N, 87° 34.477′ W. Marker is in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in Tuscaloosa County. It is at the intersection of 2nd Street and 28th Avenue, on the right when traveling west on 2nd Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tuscaloosa AL 35401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

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

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

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distance of this marker: “The Indian Fires Are Going Out” (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Tavern (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Architect (approx. 0.2 miles away); Navigation and Shipbuilding On The Black Warrior River (approx. 0.2 miles away); Masons Marks (approx. 0.2 miles away); Alabama Central Female College (approx. 0.2 miles away); Honor Roll of Soldiers and Patriots of the American Revolution (approx. 0.2 miles away); McGuire~Strickland House (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tuscaloosa.

Photographed by Tim Carr, March 13, 2010

2. The M & O Railroad Trestle & Marker

The M & O Railroad Trestle East View image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Carr, March 13, 2010

3. The M & O Railroad Trestle East View

The M & O Railroad Trestle West View image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Carr, November 17, 2008

4. The M & O Railroad Trestle West View

The M & O Railroad Trestle Over The River View image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tim Carr, November 17, 2008

5. The M & O Railroad Trestle Over The River View

Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 4,084 times since then and 126 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 23, 2010, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.