 Chain of Rocks Bridge
St Louis, MO
Photos courtesy Jane Linders
Here are images taken on the Chain of Rocks Bridge just north of
St. Louis, Missouri . This bridge is open only to pedestrian traffic now,
but was once part of the historic Route 66. The bridge overlooks the mighty
Mississippi River and during the winter months one can do a little eagle
watching from this historic bridge.
On one photo (above) you can actually see the "chain of rocks"
just under the surface of the Mississippiwhich caused the Army Corps
of Engineers to build a canal around this phenomenon, diverting barge
traffic through the canal instead of getting hung up on the rocks. Many thanks to Jane Linders for photos and info. The
image to the right is a Polaroid transfer.
Check out the Historic Chain of Rocks Bridge just north of St. Louis. If you've ever driven Route 66, chances are you've heard of this bridge. With its long steel trusses stretching across the Mississippi River and its famous bend in the middle, it's one of the most unusual bridges you'll ever cross.
 Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
St Louis, MO
Photo courtesy Jane Linders
Opened in 1929, the bridge originally carried traffic across the Mississippi before becoming part of Route 66 in 1936. The most distinctive feature is the sharp 30-degree turn about halfway across. It wasn't built that way to be different—the bend was necessary to avoid dangerous river currents and allow boats to safely pass the nearby water intake towers.
The bridge has become one of the defining landmarks along the eastern end of Route 66. Countless travelers crossed here on their way into St. Louis, making it one of those places where the journey was just as memorable as the destination. It probably surprised more than a few first-time drivers when the road suddenly turned in the middle of the river.
One of the best parts of visiting today is being able to appreciate the bridge at your own pace. Without traffic rushing by, it's easy to stop and admire the intricate steelwork, look out over the Mississippi, or simply imagine what this crossing looked like during the heyday of America's most famous highway.
 Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
St Louis, MO
Photo courtesy Jane Linders
After a newer bridge opened upstream in the late 1960s, traffic quickly disappeared and the old bridge closed to automobiles in 1970. For a while, it looked like it might be scrapped altogether, but fortunately it survived.
Today, the bridge has become one of the more enjoyable walks along old Route 66. Without cars, you can take your time crossing the river, admire the massive steelwork, and appreciate views that drivers never had the chance to enjoy. It's easy to see why this bridge has become a favorite stop for photographers.
Sometimes the best road trip memories happen after you park the car. This is one of those places where slowing down is part of the experience.
 Old Chain of Rocks Postcard
St Louis, MO
Photo courtesy Jane Linders
UPDATE: The Chain of Rocks Bridge has been beautifully preserved as a pedestrian and bicycle bridge. The old Route 66 crossing remains open, and its famous mid-span bend continues to make it one of the most unique bridges anywhere along the Mother Road. 07-26 |
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