Court Avenue Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Court Avenue Bridge
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | Court Ave. over the Des Moines River, Des Moines, Iowa |
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| Built | 1917-1918 |
| Architect | James B. Marsh |
| Part of | Civic Center Historic District (ID88001168) |
| MPS | Highway Bridges of Iowa MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 98000489 |
| Added to NRHP | May 15, 1998 |
The Court Avenue Bridge is an important and historic structure. You can find it in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, United States. This bridge crosses over the Des Moines River. It is a key part of the Civic Center Historic District. Because of its history, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998.
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A Look Back: The Bridge's Story
The very first bridge at Court Avenue was built a long time ago. It was a toll bridge, meaning people paid to cross it. This first bridge was built between 1857 and 1858. It was the first permanent bridge over the Des Moines River in the city. Lawmakers going to the capitol building could use it for free.
Earlier Bridges at This Spot
The first bridge had four sections. It used strong double trusses and arches. In 1870, a new bridge replaced it. This second bridge was a Post truss bridge. It lasted for many years. The bridge you see today was built next. It was constructed from 1917 to 1918.
Building the Current Bridge
The Court Avenue Bridge is the third oldest of six bridges in the Civic Center district. The Walnut Street Bridge was built in 1911. The Locust Street Bridge was built in 1907. Those older bridges were rebuilt in the 1960s. Their original decorations were removed then. The famous architect James B. Marsh designed the Court Avenue Bridge.
Keeping the Bridge Strong
In 1982, the bridge got a big update. The top part, called the bridge deck, was replaced. But the strong supports underneath were kept and fixed. Workers used original materials when they could. If new materials were needed, they matched the old ones closely. In 1986, new street lamps were added. These lamps had round globes and metal designs from the 1910s. This was part of a big project to improve Court Avenue.
