Very Old Railroad Bridge
By webeishere
@webeishere (36313)
United States
July 26, 2007 12:24pm CST
In Hastings Minnesota on Monday the wife & I did some sightseeing as we've never been there before. I had in my drinking days and can't recall anything about the town though. HAHAHAHA!! Anyhow we ran across this very old Railroad bridge going across the Mississippi River. This is an awesome looking bridge for many reasons. It's almost like the olden covered bridges with a wood framework. There was also a shed type building that had attenaes on it making me think it was a switch house or something along those lines. The thing I'm curious about is in the left hand side of the photo hangs what appears to be some type of huge chain item. Does anyone have any idea as to what this is? There was noone around so I couldn't ask questions. I will add other photos in comments also. I have a close up of these "chanins" also.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
5 people like this
9 responses
@GardenGerty (169406)
• United States
29 Jul 07
Hmm, do you think you will tell us if you find out for sure. It is an interesting piece of history, and you might learn even more. Then we would too. We have just about given up on the pointless drives for no reason, due to the cost of gas. It still feels good to go out there and explore once in awhile.
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
2 Aug 07
This long shot shows the whole thing. Seems it's a lift bridge & maybe that's what the cahins are for. But in this shot it seems the little wooden area is just a small area on the mifddle of the bridge.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB!!~
@KrisNY (7590)
• United States
27 Jul 07
Interesting- I’m not sure what it is- I want to see more photos to get a closer look- It’s too bad noone was there to ask- I love these old wood covered bridges- I see them in the country magazines- None in my area- takes you back to the olden days- I’m only 34- but I’ve watched movies about the olden days : )
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
2 Aug 07
Heres a view down the tracks then for you.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB!!~
@jennybianca (12912)
• Australia
27 Jul 07
I can't imagine what those chains are? They almost look like some sort of trolley system to pull items along. But then why would they need that, if a bridge is there?
I wonder how old the bridge is?
I viewed your photo, rated it & wrote a comment.
@blackbriar (9075)
• United States
27 Jul 07
This is an awesome pic. I love old bridges, specially the covered ones. After studying the pic, the bridge looks like it may be a draw bridge being it's spanning a river and that the chains might be used to draw the bridge up whenever barges have to travel under it. Nowadays, cables are used instead of chains but that's what I think they are for with this particular bridge.
2 people like this
@totty1969 (1468)
• United States
27 Jul 07
Hello Grandpa Bob,
This is a great photo, the bridge seems to be early 1900's and it appears that they have added utility pole to cross the river. My guess is that the chains are there to support the electrical lines from collapsing into the river. I would need to see closeups of the chain to be able to make a correct assesment. I have an Uncle who is a conductor of the Grand Trunk Rail Road, out of Port Huron, Michigan. If I can see closeup I could ask him, he would know.
Peace, Totty
2 people like this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
2 Aug 07
Here you go. This is one discussion I could not respond to due to the infamous mylot glitch problem I've had until recently. Sorry it took so long. Hope you repsond back anyhow.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB!!~
@someonesmom (5761)
• Canada
31 Jul 07
Here's my test response Grandpa Bob. I'm so sorry about this. I love these types of bridges, old buildings etc. My dad and my older brother (now retired), used to both work for the Railroad. I like the way the building is situated off to the side too, for the railwayman to sit up high, for a bird's eye view of the track, and approaching trains. It reminds me of something I saw on Little House On The Prairie, years ago.
1 person likes this
@creematee (2810)
• United States
26 Jul 07
Hi Bob! What a great photo! I'm not sure exactly what those chains would be for. Maybe something to do with cargo, etc?? Is the track still used? I was wondering if it also might have something to do with the steam engines. Alas, my knowledge of the RR industry is pretty slim. :(
2 people like this
@teapotmommommerced (10359)
• United States
27 Jul 07
I do not know for sure but could the bridge be a draw bridge to go up when boats go under? I was woundering if the chair was a ladder to get into the one side of the top of the bridge? I am only guessing.
2 people like this
