Delmar Loop in University City in St. Louis County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
James B. Eads
Born May 23, 1820
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 7, 2018
1. James B. Eads Marker
Inscription.
James B. Eads. Born May 23, 1820. The great Mississippi River Bridge which bears his name is the best known of the self-educated genius' achievements. In addition, at age 22, James Eads devised the first diving bell to salvage sunken cargoes from the bottom of the river. When the Civil War began, he conceived of a fleet of armored riverboats, persuaded the Navy of its necessity, and then built the boats, which were used to capture Forts Henry and Donelson in February, 1862, the first victories for the Union. His final engineering marvel was the system of jetties that opened the mouth of the Mississippi to seagoing ships.
The great Mississippi River Bridge which bears his name is the best known of the self-educated genius' achievements. In addition, at age 22, James Eads devised the first diving bell to salvage sunken cargoes from the bottom of the river. When the Civil War began, he conceived of a fleet of armored riverboats, persuaded the Navy of its necessity, and then built the boats, which were used to capture Forts Henry and Donelson in February, 1862—the first victories for the Union. His final engineering marvel was the system of jetties that opened the mouth of the Mississippi to seagoing ships.
Location. 38° 39.374′ N, 90° 18.412′ W. Marker is in University City, Missouri, in St. Louis County. It is in Delmar Loop. Marker is on Delmar Boulevard west of Leland Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6635 Delmar Boulevard, Saint Louis MO 63130, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dizzy Dean (here, next to this marker); Branch Rickey
Napoleon Sarony (photo courtesy of National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution), 1871
2. James B. Eads
Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 10, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 170 times since then and 15 times this year. Last updated on October 16, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. Photos:1. submitted on October 10, 2018, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on October 16, 2018. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
