Rock Rapids in Lyon County, Iowa — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
First Reinforced Concrete Bridge
In the United States
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, September 5, 2016
1. First Reinforced Concrete Bridge Marker
Built in 1893 three miles south of here over Cry Creek, this arch bridge was designed by Joseph Melan, the Austrian originator of the Melan System of reinforcing concrete. His supervisor of construction was Frederick Von Emberger. The builder was John Olsen of Rock Rapids. The arch supporting the 30 ft span rises 6 ft, 6 in to the crown and is reinforced by railroad rails. The stone facing is Sioux Falls Jasper. Lyon County paid $830.00 for its construction including the Portland cement imported from Germany for $3.25 per barrel.
The Kiwanis Club of Rock Rapids sponsored a drive for contributions to "Save The Bridge" when road improvements made its removal necessary. Many individuals including the son of the builder have made possible its preservation as a memorial to pioneers of this area.
Erected 1964.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.
Location. 43° 25.94′ N, 96° 9.258′ W. Marker is in Rock Rapids, Iowa, in Lyon County. Marker can be reached from 1st Ave. E. The bridge and marker are located in Emma Sater Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rock Rapids IA 51246, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow
this page online
Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, September 5, 2016
2. First Reinforced Concrete Bridge Marker
Photographed By Roger Dean Meyer, June 9, 2018
3. Bridge with Memorial Plaque in Front
Photographed By Roger Dean Meyer, June 9, 2018
4. Memorial Plaque
Credits. This page was last revised on August 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2017, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 385 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 5, 2017, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. 3, 4. submitted on August 16, 2023, by Roger Dean Meyer of Yankton, South Dakota. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
