Walnut Street Bridge (Mazeppa, Minnesota) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Walnut Street Bridge
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The Walnut Street Bridge from the northeast
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 Location in Minnesota
Location in the United States
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| Location | West end of Walnut Street, Mazeppa, Minnesota |
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| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1904 |
| Architect | W. S. Hewett Co. |
| Architectural style | Pratt through truss |
| MPS | Iron and Steel Bridges in Minnesota |
| NRHP reference No. | 02001705 |
| Designated | January 15, 2003 |
The Walnut Street Bridge is a special bridge located in Mazeppa, Minnesota. It crosses the North Fork of the Zumbro River. This bridge was built in 1904 to carry cars and trucks. Since 1980, only people walking can use it.
In 2003, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important historical site. It was recognized for its unique design and the work of a famous engineer, William S. Hewett. His company, W. S. Hewett Co., built many bridges. The Walnut Street Bridge is a great example of their beautiful work.
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Why Was the Walnut Street Bridge Built?
Before the Walnut Street Bridge, there was an older bridge in the same spot. This old bridge was Mazeppa's only way to cross the Zumbro River. It was a very important link between the towns of Rochester and Lake City, Minnesota.
However, the old bridge became unsafe in 1901. It was still used for a few years. In 1904, the Mazeppa village council decided to build a new bridge. They hired the W. S. Hewett Co. to do the job. The new bridge cost $3,775, and the town sold bonds to help pay for it.
Building a Modern Bridge
The new Walnut Street Bridge was finished in August 1904. This was an interesting time for bridge building in Minnesota. Just before this, steel had become the main material for bridges, replacing iron.
A few years later, in 1911, the Minnesota State Highway Commission made new rules for bridge designs. These rules made most new bridges look very similar. So, the Walnut Street Bridge is special because it was built just before these standard designs became common.
What Happened to the Bridge Over Time?
The Walnut Street Bridge was the main river crossing in Mazeppa for many years. It served the community until 1922. That year, a new highway bridge was built just one block north.
Even with the new bridge, the Walnut Street Bridge continued to carry local traffic. It was used by cars until 1980. After that, it was closed to vehicles and became a bridge just for people walking.
Restoring the Historic Bridge
In 1995, the bridge was closed completely. It needed a lot of repair work. From 2001 to 2002, the city of Mazeppa worked to fix the bridge. They removed parts that were not original and replaced damaged sections. They also added new safety features to make it safe for everyone.
After the repairs, the bridge was reopened for people to walk across. The project was very successful. It even won an award from the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota. Today, the Walnut Street Bridge is a beloved spot for pedestrians in Mazeppa.
