Also known as the Government or Arsenal Bridge. The swing span is over the downstream approach to the locks.
Previous bridges (1856, 1868 and 1872) at this crossing.
The lock that is in many of the photos is Lock and Dam #15.
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| Photo from Library of Congress 3/4 overall view from the Clock Tower Building (Building 205); looking NNW toward Davenport, Iowa. (Ceronie) - Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island Bridge, Fort Armstrong Avenue, Rock Island, Rock Island County, IL HAER ILL,81-ROCIL,3A--1 |
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| Retro Quad Cities posted An original photo of the 1856 Government Bridge, the first railroad bridge over the Mississippi River. Construction began in 1854 and the bridge was completed on April 21, 1856. The bridge was 1,582 feet long with a 285-foot draw span that rotated on a center pier. It was built to connect the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad with the Mississippi and Missouri Railroad. Edith Agan: According to this website, this is a picture of the second bridge (courtesy of the Putnam Museum). Check out all the cool pictures included in the the website- https://www.riveraction.org/bridgehistory |
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| RiverAction, this is one of several photos of the first bridge |
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| Retro Quad Cities posted The Government Bridge and Davenport as seen in 1875 from the Clock Tower. [Comments provide different exposures and colorizations. There is also some information about the Clock Tower. And there are several comments asking where is L&D #15? It wasn't built until 1931-34.] Tom Sharp: The bridge in the photo was built in 1872, to replace the wooden bridge built in 1866, which was victim to various weather and collision events. The 1872 bridge was similar to its successor, which was built in 1896: it was two levels; the top for rail traffic, and the bottom for for horse-drawn traffic, livestock, trolleys, and pedestrians. Its main drawback was that it only had one set of railroad tracks, causing bottlenecks due to trains needing to travel in both directions. The 1896 bridge, built in the same spot, corrected that problem by having two sets of tracks, and it's the bridge in use today. George Clegg II: This was pretty much the exact same time the St. Louis, Eads bridge was built. Reed Williams shared Dave Harrington: Before dams #14 and #15 tow boats used the LeClaire canal on the Iowa side. Today's Aux lock #14 at the USACE yard was that canal's lock. Remnants of the canal wall are at today's pool level. Pleasure boats use this often. Remnants of the Illinois side Rock Island canal are also visible. You can see the lock chamber from downstream. Both canals are long and narrow. It must have been a long one lane road for the tows. Joel Wise: There have been 4 bridges at the Arsenal. The first two were wooden, built a couple hundred yards upstream from the current bridge location.The bridge in the photo above is the 3rd bridge, utilizing the current location. The 4th bridge finished in 1896 replaced the 3rd bridge but used the same piers. |
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| Ed Putman commented on Reed's post |
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| Random Quad Cities posted From the Daily Times, 1932. Random Quad Cities shared |
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| Retro Quad Cities posted It sure looked different before the lock and dam was constructed here in the Quad-Cities. Check out this panoramic shot of the City of Winona passing the Government Bridge. |
Another view without the lock.
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| Random Quad Cities posted Item Description Title Rock Island Arsenal, Arsenal Bridge with train on it Photographer Hauberg, John H. Date Original ca. 1910-1925 Description Photograph of a train crossing the Mississippi River on the Government Bridge between Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois and Davenport, Iowa. This photograph was taken before construction of Lock and Dam 15. Location Depicted Rock Island, Rock Island County, Illinois Subject Government Bridge (Rock Island, Ill.-Davenport, Iowa) Swing bridges Railroads Mississippi River Rock Island Arsenal (Ill.) Glass negatives Ordering Information Please contact Augustana College Special Collections at (309) 794-7643 or specialcollections@augustana.edu Image Number 27_L-RA_gp_2_24 Repository Augustana College Special Collections, 639 38th Street, Rock Island, Illinois 61201 Repository Collection John H. Hauberg Papers Object Description 1 negative : glass, b&w ; 4 x 5 in. Digital Reproduction Information Digital image captured using a Microtek ScanMaker 9600XL with transparent media adapter. TIFF file created from a glass negative scanned at 8-bit grayscale 1200ppi. The master scan is untouched, but this display image was enhanced by adjusting the input level of the shadows from 0 to 5, the midtones from 1.00 to 1.51, and the highlights from 255 to 170 using Adobe Photoshop 7.0. Date Digital 2003-06-25 File Name aug27_L-RA_gp_2_24 CD Volume Name AUGVolume7 Original Database This record is from the Upper Mississippi Valley Digital Image Archive, http://www.umvphotoarchive.org, a collaborative project of cultural heritage organizations in the Iowa-Illinois Mississippi River region. Random Quad Cities shared |
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| Retro Quad Cities posted 1898 looking down the rail tracks of Arsenal Bridge Retro Quad Cities shared |
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| Random Quad Cities posted Item Description Title Broken section of Government Bridge Photographer Jarvis White Studio Name/Location Jarvis White Art Company/Rock Island, Illinois Date Original February 1896 Description View of metal structure and damage to bridge caused by ice jam while bridge was being constructed. Two railroad cars on upper deck on right. Debris, ice and cement wall in foreground. Location Depicted Rock Island Arsenal, Rock Island County, Illinois Subject Government Bridge (Rock Island, Ill.-Davenport, Iowa) Bridges Construction Ice on rivers, lakes, etc. Railroad cars Rock Island Arsenal (Ill.) Ordering Information Contact Chief Curator at (563) 324-1054 ext. 223 or email schlichting@putnam.org. Image Number Bridges18 Repository Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science, 1717 West 12th Street, Davenport, Iowa 52804 Repository Collection Photograph Collection Object Description 1 photograph : sepia ; 5 x 7 in. Digital Reproduction Information Digital image captured using Microtek ScanMaker 9600XL with transparent media adapter. TIFF file created from a photographic print scanned at 24-bit RGB color 1200 ppi. The master scan is untouched, but this display image was enhanced by adjusting the input level of the shadows from 0 to 44, midtones from 1.00 to 1.06, and highlights from 255 to 211 using Adobe PhotoShop 7.0. Date Digital 2011-07-07 File Name putBridges18 CD Volume Name putvolume37 Original Database This record is from the Upper Mississippi Valley Digital Image Archive, http://www.umvphotoarchive.org, a collaborative project of cultural heritage organizations in the Iowa-Illinois Mississippi River region. Random Quad Cities shared |
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Random Quad Cities posted Title Train heading north from Arsenal to Davenport on Arsenal Bridge Date Original ca. 1956 Description Photograph of a train traveling north over the Mississippi River on the Government Bridge between the Rock Island Arsenal (Illinois) and Davenport, Iowa. A passenger is leaning out of a window and waving. This was part of the activities celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first railroad bridge across the Mississippi River. Original Database
This record is from the Upper Mississippi Valley Digital Image Archive, http://www.umvphotoarchive.org, a collaborative project of cultural heritage organizations in the Iowa-Illinois Mississippi River region. Pete Casillas: Old #9 This was a recreation of the 1st train to cross the Mississippi River to the west or a train celebrating the Chicago Rock Island and Pacific railroad anniversary..... i cannot remember.. it departed Rock Island and crossed over into Davenport. Random Quad Cities shared |
Rock Island Arsenal Museum posted seven images with the comment:
November is Historic Bridge Awareness Month and Rock Island Arsenal has been home to many historic bridges.The current Government Bridge, opened in 1896, was built for increased rail traffic. It replaced the 1872 "Iron Bridge" which only had a single-track top deckThe bridge was designed by Ralph Modjesksi and featured a double-track top deck. The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company contributed $305,732 and the U.S. Government contributed $490,000 to its construction. In 1980, the Chicago, Rock Island, and Pacific Railroad went out of business and sole ownership of the bridge was transferred to the U.S. Government.
Miles W. Rich: There are plenty of photos around of the 1872 Iron Bridge, and of construction/replacement ofvthe superstructure of that bridge by the current one, including a temporary vertical lift draw. The 1896 current bridge sits on the piers of the 1872 bridge. And as each span was replaced, the bridge remained open, quite an engineering accomplishment in the 19th Century.
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| Davenport Iowa History posted Davenport - 1875 [This post has a long description of the history of Davenport. Of note:] The bridge in this picture that spans the Mississippi is not the first railroad bridge, but rather the first Government bridge, which was completed in 1872, a little further west of the site of the first railroad bridge. The trains of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad abandoned the old railroad bridge on Saturday night, October 5, 1872, making the last trip across that structure. On Monday morning October 7th, the entire traffic of the railroad was switched to the new iron bridge built by the United States jointly with the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Company. The old and first railroad bridge opened on April 21, 1856 and was in use for over 16 years except with minor interruptions caused by fire or floods, etc. The original superstructure of the bridge was made of ordinary pine lumber that did not stand up against the weather as long as was expected. For that reason, about 1867, the bridge was completely rebuilt with burnetized timber, so called from being immersed in some chemical preparation for preserving the wood, which was calculated to withstand the weather for at least 25 years. The last timber of the last span of the old railroad bridge was removed on February 13, 1873. All that remained were portions of its piers and abutments. |
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| David Sebben posted |
Michael Monahan I spent many months of my (younger) life in that photo -- nice to see it. Section gangs were burdened with cleaning out the channel decking with narrowed spades and wheelbarrows so that we could sandblast and paint. One year we had to do the cleaning ourselves -- I can still feel the "bump, bump, bump" -- for long distances the further toward the middle we got. This photo appears to show the solid decking going on over the channel. There are a few stories to tell . . .
Update: Quad City Times has a rather extensive article on the bridge. Note that you can use "arrow buttons" to scroll through some pictures. Near the bottom, I found a link to a photo gallery of 26 pictures. Of note: "The first bridge design of architect Ralph Modjeski, the bridge is 1,850 feet long, and the swing span is 366 feet long with a tower in the center. Completed in 1896, the 120-year-old bridge is the only one of its kind in world, rotating 360 degrees in either direction at the swing. Food and farm products dominate the barge cargo passing through Rock Island's locks. According to the Corps' statistics, a total of 12,264 loaded barges and 4,814 empty barges locked through last year. In addition, there were 2,314 commercial vessels, 2,282 commercial flotillas (multiple boats), 47 non-commercial vessels, 46 non-commercial flotillas and 1,357 recreational vessels."
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| Manny Day posted I always enjoy watching Iowa Interstate power with the CRI&P herald on the Govermnent Bridge in Davenport. Glenn McAtee https://www.archives.gov/.../prol.../2004/summer/bridge.html |
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Andy Wellman shared Retro Quad Cities's photo.
Celebrating the 100 years of the first bridge crossing the Mississippi River. And it's the Rock Island!
1956 Train on Arsenal Bridge going to Davenport
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| David Sebben posted Steam moving across the Government Bridge between Rock Island, IL and Davenport, IA. [This is the first view I remember seeing that is looking upstream.] |
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| David Sebben posted Crossing over the Government Bridge into Davenport, Iowa in the early 50's. I'm lousy at identifying locomotive types, any help? Jonathan Hinely GP7 or a GP9 leaning towards the 7. |
Gary Sturm posted two photos with the comment: "These are my shots of an eastbound Rock Island train crossing the Government Bridge in Davenport, Iowa in July 1975."
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| William Grewe-Mullins, Apr 2016 |
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| Jim Arvites posted View of a Tri-City Railway Company streetcar leaving the U.S. Arsenal at the Government Bridge by the Mississippi River that connected Davenport, Iowa and Rock Island, Illinois circa 1909. (Retro Quad Cities) |
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| Kyle Harms posted This is a post card from 1909. Kinda neat to see the bridge before [Dam] 15 was built. |
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| Dana Olson commented on Kyle's post |
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| RiverWorks Discovery posted Low water [Aug 2021] is a blessing for commuters that cross the river in the Quad Cities! When the water is low, The Government Bridge ( a double decked highway and railroad bridge) doesn’t have to be opened for the 1st cut of a double lockage because of adequate air draft clearance due to a low pool. It only has to be opened for the 2nd cut as the towboat won’t clear. This is at Lock 15 on the Upper Mississippi River at MM 483. Courtesy of Captain John Vaughn of Marquette Transportation’s M/V THERESA L. WOOD. Don Traut shared There was a post on two here about this bridge between Davenport and Rock Island. Here it is from the river view. The swing span is located over the lock, and openings for commercial traffic can cause significant delays for motorists, and the railroads too I suppose. Jeff Lewis: I wouldn't think the openings cause much delay for Iowa Interstate as they only run 3 or 4 trains a day across the river. The Union Pacific upriver at Clinton, Iowa is a different matter, which is why they are planning a flyover type bridge to be built in the near future. |
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| Douglas Butler posted Government Arsenal Swing Bridge designed by the same Ralph Modjeski has a double deck crossing the Mississippi River between Davenport, IA and Rock Island, IL Source: Army Substainment Command - Army.mil. |
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| Quad Cities Buildings / Landmarks / History posted How about this awesome photograph! (We are assuming that it’s just a smudge on the middle left of the photograph.) Photographer Unknown Ca. 1910 Repository Putnam Museum of History and Natural Science, 1717 West 12th Street, Davenport, Iowa 52804 |
zzz
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| Joel Wise posted A vantage point that few will ever see in person. An eastbound IAIS train waits at the dwarf signal protecting the Government Bridge swing span limits, photo taken from the rail deck of the swing span while open for river traffic. Taken yesterday (May 1 [2024]). Delbert Pouder: This eastbound is on the West bound track. Joel Wise: Delbert Pouder If it were the old RI days that would be correct. Nowadays, the IAIS is a single main, which is what the train is on. The former eastbound main is now a maintenance siding only on the bridge. Kelly Sedgwick shared I was lucky enough to be able to stand under this bridge while it opened and closed once. It was an amazing thing to see. C Oneil Phillips: Ft Madison has the largest double deck swing bridge in the US |
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| Raw Images Art & Photography commented on Joel's post As close as I have gotten (with permission of course) |
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| Quad Cities Buildings / Landmarks / History posted Interesting view of the of the upper deck on the Government Bridge over the Mississippi River. Unknown date. Picture from the internet. Joel Wise: Back when they were doing the conversion from sliding rail latches to the new lift latch system. |
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| Mike Knox posted 7/23/17: #513 is The 3rd Engine on This Train, As it Heads into Rock, Island, Illinois at 9:00. On Tho Old Former Rock Island Line. Now of Course The IAIS. |
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| Bob Kalal posted This off "Living History of Illinois & Chicago" Facebook page. 1930 Rock Island Arsenal Island bridge and Roller dam locks |
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| One of 30 photos added by Mike Ironman |
2 of 6 photos posted by Brian Bell.
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| 1 of 75 photos posted by Raw Images Art & Photography when the lock was dewatered for maintenance. This one included a nice view of the bridge. |
Jan Danielsen posted four photos with the comment: "I was taking pictures of a towboat that was at Lock 15 and then the train came----😀 Arsenal (Government) swing gate and bridge Rock Island, Illinois to Davenport, Iowa. Pictures taken from Davenport."
Sandy Bivens: And for me it's an eery feeling driving across that bridge with a train on top of you. And usually very noisy. I love that bridge!
Jeffrey Megown shared
Joel Wise posted six photos with the comment: "IAIS office car special, 10/28/19, Rock Island, IL."
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Joel Wise posted six photos with the comment: "IAIS office car special, 10/28/19, Rock Island, IL."
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Jan Danielsen posted two photos with the comment: "Train going over R.I. Arsenal bridge Davenport, Iowa to Rock Island, Illinois. Vehicles go across under the train. Dreary day."
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| David Sebben posted, ninth photo Under the Government Bridge Jay Von Holten What are the chains for? David Sebben Jay Von Holten ...for boaters to grab on to before they get to the roller dam. |
John Joseph Walse III posted eleven photos with the comment: "The Government bridge which carries the former Rock Island (now Iowa Interstate Railroad) and a roadway over the Mississippi River Davenport, IA. The Rock Island Arsenal is across the bridge. 12/07/19"
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| Joel Wise posted
Even on the cold, windy, snowy days, we still have work to do. Just finished blowing the snow out of our rail latches before opening up.
Government Bridge, Rock Island Arsenal (IL).
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| Angel Binner posted This weeks new amazing cover is credited to Pam Gettert !! Thank you for sharing this beautiful picture with all of us!! |
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| Jake Johnson posted |
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| Matt Massengill posted 0:15 video @ 0:00 Ted Gregory shared Matt Massengill: Dennis DeBruler it is a Iowa interstate rail line. And I believe it was the first duel purpose bridge across the Mississippi 1896 if I remember correctly and was built by the Army Corp of engineers. One side of the bridge rotates and has a lock for barges to pass through. Hope this helps you out. |
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| Dennis DeBruler commented on Ted's share It is interesting how a new view of a familiar structure provides additional insight. This is also a good view of Dam #15. https://goo.gl/maps/Gu63VucqR2MEZUZz8 |
A different view of the bridge.
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| David Sebben posted A pair of GP7 "Route of the Rockets" locomotives head into Davenport, Iowa via the Government Bridge over the Mississippi River in the early 1950's. David Haysbrook: Lived there in 60s and 70s. Looks like Davenport is flooding. Retro Quad Cities shared Susan Haywood: I really didn't like going over the bridge when there was a train over my head. I just knew the bridge was going to collapse from all that weight. Randy Mooney: Looks like it's flooding downtown Joe Dooley: Randy Mooney probably 1952. Same intersection where the new “Last Picture House” is located… |
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| This photo has been moved to "1856+1866+1872 Rock Island Bridges." |
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Chris C J Johnson posted some videos and several photos of a train on the bridge, a tow through the lock, and a monument with the history of the Rock Island.
Dennis DeBruler Is that RI monument upstream where the first bridge was built? Or is it in the visitor center area? That is the bridge for which Abraham Lincoln successfully defended the Rock Island building a bridge across the Mississippi.
Chris C J Johnson Dennis DeBruler This monument is not on Arsenal Island but is located in Rock Island, IL next to the old Rock Island Depot pictured in these images.
C J
Mike Ironman posted "Ok, Since The Government Bridge at Rock Island is " Closed Indefinitely " due to a Mechanical problem of some kind. Where are they Rerouting the IAIS Trains Thru????"
Jacob Narup They're not. This happened last year too. It honestly wastes more time detouring than it does just having IAIS wait it out.
Buddy Burton They need to replace that bridge some time in the near future.
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