Minnesota, Anoka County, Anoka
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The Mississippi River was an obstacle to overland travelers attempting to cross to the other side. From1855 to 1884 a flat bottomed cable ferry was maintained between Anoka and Champlin. For a time two ferry companies operated at this crossing and the competition was so fierce that sometimes passengers were offered free passage.
In 1884 a steel bridge was constructed with a swinging center section to permit steamboat travel on the river. Mr. Charles G. Jackson of Anoka was the first person to cross the bridge with a wagon and team of horses. At both ends of the bridge was a sign with bold letters which read, "Five dollar fine for driving or riding across this bridge faster than a walk."
With increasing automobile traffic, this structure was removed in 1929 and replaced by the existing concrete bridge measuring 995 feet in length. This bridge is on the national Register of Historic Places due to its innovative concrete architectural design with long arching spans.
(Bridges & Viaducts • Waterways & Vessels) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
The Mississippi River was an obstacle to overland travelers attempting to cross to the other side. From1855 to 1884 a flat bottomed cable ferry was maintained between Anoka and Champlin. For a time two ferry companies operated at this crossing and the competition was so fierce that sometimes passengers were offered free passage.
In 1884 a steel bridge was constructed with a swinging center section to permit steamboat travel on the river. Mr. Charles G. Jackson of Anoka was the first person to cross the bridge with a wagon and team of horses. At both ends of the bridge was a sign with bold letters which read, "Five dollar fine for driving or riding across this bridge faster than a walk."
With increasing automobile traffic, this structure was removed in 1929 and replaced by the existing concrete bridge measuring 995 feet in length. This bridge is on the national Register of Historic Places due to its innovative concrete architectural design with long arching spans.
(Bridges & Viaducts • Waterways & Vessels) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.