Downtown in St. Louis, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Eads Bridge
National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark
Photographed by Jason Voigt, May 10, 2026
1. The Eads Bridge Marker
Named for James B. Eads, the self-trained engineer who oversaw the design and construction from 1867 to 1874, Eads Bridge was the first to span the Mississippi River downstream of the Missouri River. It is now the oldest bridge on the Mississippi River. Pioneering innovations included steel alloy arches, a cantilever erection process of the superstructure that did not impede riverboat traffic during construction, and revolutionary air-pressurized caissons - among the world's deepest at the time - allowing excavation by hand down 123 feet to bedrock to build stone piers. The bridge, with a 520-foot central arch span and total length of 6,444 feet, still supports both light rail and roadway decks.
Originally Dedicated July 4, 1874
Designated NHCEL: 1971
Erected 2024 by American Society of Civil Engineers.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the ASCE Civil Engineering Landmarks series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 4, 1874.
Location. 38° 37.765′ N, 90° 11.001′ W. Marker is in St. Louis, Missouri. It is in Downtown. It is on North 1st Street north of Washington Avenue, on the right when traveling
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. 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. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: In Memory of Katherine Ward Burg (within shouting distance of this marker); About This Place / Black Wealth and Influence (within shouting distance of this marker); The James B. Eads Bridge (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rue de lEglise (about 600 feet away); Action and Reaction (about 600 feet away); Gateway to the West (about 700 feet away); Speedy Delivery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Curves Ahead (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in St. Louis.
Other markers no longer nearby. Rue Royale (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); Lewis and Clark and St. Louis Riverfront (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Old Judge Coffee Bldg. (was about 400 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Old Missouri Hotel (was about 500 feet away but has been confirmed missing); La Grande Rue (was about 500 feet away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . .
1. Eads Bridge on Wikipedia. (Submitted on May 12, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Photographed by Jason Voigt, May 10, 2026
2. The Eads Bridge Marker
Marker is mounted underneath the bridge, on First Street - bordering Gateway Arch National Park. It is near the east entrance of the Laclede's Landing Metrolink station.
2. Eads Bridge (American Society of Civil Engineers). (Submitted on May 12, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 15, 2024
3. Eads Bridge
Taken from a high deck at Gateway Arch National Park. This is looking east
Photographed by Unknown
4. The Eads Bridge
View of the Eads Bridge under construction, taken sometime during the early 1870's.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 12, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 17 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 12, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
