In 1877, the Chicago & Alton Railroad decided to build a bridge across the Missouri River at Glasgow as the first large all-steel bridge in the world. A.F. Hay of Burlington, Iowa, had developed a steel that met all specifications, and Gen. Wm. Smith, project chief engineer, recommended its use in the structure. Work began in May 1878. The bridge had five 314 ft. spans, 1150 ft. of approaches, and 850 ft. of wooden trestle. When all work was complete, the cost was over $500,000. A dedication was held in June 1879 in Vaughn’s pasture, now Stump Island, and over 7,000 people attended. The original bridge served until the early 1900’s, when it had to be replaced because of more traffic and larger engines. The present bridge was built alongside the old one before its demolition, assuring no interruption in service.