List of bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Missouri facts for kids

Did you know that some bridges and tunnels are so special they are protected as historic places? In Missouri, there's a list of amazing bridges and tunnels that are on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important parts of history and need to be preserved for future generations. These structures tell stories about how people traveled, traded, and built things long ago.

What is the National Register of Historic Places?

The National Register of Historic Places is like a special club for buildings, sites, structures, objects, and districts that are important in American history. When a bridge or tunnel is added to this list, it means it has a unique story or shows off amazing engineering from the past. It helps protect these places so they don't get torn down and can be enjoyed by everyone.

Why are these structures important?

These bridges and tunnels are more than just ways to get from one place to another. They show us how people solved problems, like crossing rivers or mountains, many years ago. They also represent different styles of building and engineering that were popular at different times.

Famous Bridges and Tunnels in Missouri

Eads Bridge: A Super Old Landmark

The Eads Bridge in St. Louis is one of the most famous bridges in Missouri. It was built between 1867 and 1874, which makes it super old! It was one of the first bridges of its kind to use steel in its main structure. Imagine how hard it must have been to build such a huge bridge back then! It's a cantilever deck arch bridge, which is a fancy way of saying it has a unique design that helps it span a long distance.

The historic Eads Bridge in St. Louis.

Barretts Tunnels: Going Underground

Not all historic structures are bridges! The Barretts Tunnels near Kirkwood were built in 1851 and 1853. Tunnels are fascinating because they go right through hills or mountains, making it easier for trains or cars to pass. These tunnels are a great example of early railway engineering in Missouri.

One of the Barretts Tunnels.

Chain of Rocks Bridge: A Winding Path

The Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis is known for its unique bend in the middle. It was built in 1929 and 1936. This bridge used to carry cars over the Mississippi River, but now it's a popular spot for walking and biking. Its interesting design makes it stand out!

The Chain of Rocks Bridge with its famous bend.

Missouri's Covered Bridges: Stepping Back in Time

Missouri has several beautiful covered bridges that are on the historic register. These bridges are special because they have roofs and walls, just like a house! The cover protects the wooden parts of the bridge from rain and snow, making them last much longer.

Burfordville Covered Bridge

The Burfordville Covered Bridge was built in 1858. It's located near Burfordville and is a great example of a Howe truss bridge. Walking through it feels like you've traveled back in time!

The historic Burfordville Covered Bridge.

Locust Creek Covered Bridge

Another cool covered bridge is the Locust Creek Covered Bridge, built in 1868 near Laclede. It's one of the oldest and longest covered bridges in Missouri.

The Locust Creek Covered Bridge.

Sandy Creek Covered Bridge

The Sandy Creek Covered Bridge was built in 1872 near Hillsboro. It's also a Howe Truss design, showing how popular and strong this type of bridge was.

The Sandy Creek Covered Bridge.

Union Covered Bridge

The Union Covered Bridge near Paris was built in 1870-1871. It's another fantastic example of a well-preserved covered bridge in Missouri.

The Union Covered Bridge.

Y-Bridge: A Unique Shape

The Y Bridge in Galena is super unique because it's shaped like the letter "Y"! It was built in 1926-1927. This bridge splits into three directions, making it a very interesting and rare design.

The Y-Bridge in Galena, Missouri.

Other Historic Bridges in Missouri

Many other bridges in Missouri are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Each one has its own story and unique features.

• The Arrow Rock State Historic Site Bridge (built around 1937) near Arrow Rock.
• The Boeckman Bridge (1926) near St. Elizabeth.
• The Brownville Bridge (1939) near Phelps City.
• The Crowder State Park Vehicle Bridge (around 1939) near Trenton.
• The Grand Auglaize Bridge (1931) near Brumley is a cool suspension and swinging bridge.
• The Hargrove Pivot Bridge (1917) near Poplar Bluff.
• The Jefferson Street Footbridge (listed 2003) in Springfield is a Cantilever Through Truss design.
• The Meramec River U.S. 66 Bridge - J421 (listed 2009) near Eureka is a Warren deck truss.
• The Montserrat Recreation Demonstration Area Bridge (1937) near Knob Noster.
• The Papinville Marais des Cygnes River Bridge (1884) near Papinville is a Pinned Pratt through truss.
• The Pin Oak Hollow Bridge (1934, 1938) near Pin Oak Hollow is a single-arch.
• The Powell Bridge (1915) near Powell is another Pinned Pratt through truss.
• The Rulo Bridge (1938, 1939) near Fortescue is a Pennsylvania through truss.
• The Swan Creek Bridge (1914, 1932) near Forsyth.
• The Upper Bridge (1928) in Warsaw.
• The Waddell "A" Truss Bridge (1898) near Parkville is a unique "A" truss design.
• The Windsor Harbor Road Bridge (1874, 1875) near Kimmswick.

These historic bridges and tunnels are important reminders of Missouri's past and the amazing engineering feats that helped shape the state. They are treasures that we can still visit and learn from today!

Images for kids

• 

  The Brownville Bridge.

• 

  The Jefferson Street Footbridge.

• 

  The Meramec River U.S. 66 Bridge - J421.

• 

  The Powell Bridge.

• 

  The Rulo Bridge.

• 

  The Windsor Harbor Road Bridge.