Photograph
Pile-Pontoon Railroad Bridge
Elevated view of the pile-pontoon railroad bridge across the Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien. The bridge was built and patented by John Lawler in 1874 and it solved the problem of providing railroad crossing of the Mississippi without stopping the river traffic. Prior to the Lawler bridge, the railroad cars were towed across the river on barges. The Lawler Bridge was 8000 feet long, crossing both channels of the river and an intervening island. It was constructed in two parts, the pile, or stationary part, and the pontoon or movable part, which consisted of two floating draws, one in each channel, which, when closed, form an unbroken track, permitting a safe and rapid railroad crossing. When open, the bridge allowed river traffic to pass with ease. The pile portion of the bridge was of ordinary railroad construction, but the draw over each channel consisted of one pontoon with a 12 inch draft. The Lawler bridge was replaced in 1910. |
Image ID: | 24811 |
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Creation Date: | date unknown |
Creator Name: | Unknown |
City: | Prairie du Chien |
County: | Crawford |
State: | Wisconsin |
Collection Name: | Subject albums, 1753?-1990? (bulk circa 1850s-circa 1950s) |
Genre: | Photograph |
Original Format Type: | photographic print, b&w |
Original Format Number: | Album 38.11 |
Original Dimensions: | 8.75 x 5.75 inches |
Trees |
Islands |
Landscape |
Outdoor photography |
Design and construction |
Railroad bridges |
Railroad trains |
Railroads |
Mississippi River |
Shorelines |
This image is issued by the Wisconsin Historical Society. Use of the image requires written permission from the staff of the Collections Division. It may not be sold or redistributed, copied or distributed as a photograph, electronic file, or any other media. The image should not be significantly altered through conventional or electronic means. Images altered beyond standard cropping and resizing require further negotiation with a staff member. The user is responsible for all issues of copyright. Please Credit: Wisconsin Historical Society. |
Location: | Wisconsin Historical Society Archives, 4th Floor, Madison, Wisconsin |
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