Stone Arch Bridge and Saint Anthony Falls - Minneapolis

The Mississippi River is the second-longest river on the North American continent. Saint Anthony Falls, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota State of USA, was the only natural major waterfall on the Upper Mississippi River. Named after the Catholic saint Anthony of Padua (in Italy), this natural fall was replaced by an apron (concrete overflow spillway) in 1869 CE.

Not only this waterfall but even the city was named St. Anthony. In 1872, the city was merged with the neighboring Minneapolis city.

A series of locks and dams were built in the mid of 20th century. The project was called the Upper Mississippi River 9-Foot Navigation Project. Today, the area around the waterfalls provides a self-guided walking trail with signs and boards explaining the area's history. Often, exhibitions and road shows are held in the nearby streets. Thus, it attracts many tourists and has become a significant city landmark.

The Stone Arch Bridge, located near the waterfalls, is a historical and heritage site. It is a former railroad bridge crossing the Mississippi River. It is the second oldest railroad bridge of the river and the only arched bridge made of stone on the entire length of the river. There are a total of 21 arches found under the bridge. The middle portion is made of iron; there are 12 arches on one side, and the remaining nine are found on the other.

The railroad tycoon James J. Hill built this bridge in 1883 CE for his Great Northern Railway. It was designed by Charles C. Smith. Keeping the eroding nature of the waterfall, Smith pioneered the design of this stone bridge. Initially, it was intended to be an iron bridge.

For almost 50 years till 1930, Minneapolis was considered the "Flour Milling Capital of the World". The historic bridge, which was constructed at the cost of USD 650,000 at that time, was mainly used to bring wheat from Canada and the Red River valley to the mills of Minneapolis. Today is used as a pedestrian and bicycle bridge today.

Happy travelling.