Truss Bridge #6527

This span bridge has been preserved because in 2000 it was one of only a few span bridges still standing in Minnesota. Before bridges, Madelia had three fords across the Watonwan River. The first road through the county, the Old Army Trail, left town by the upper ford at the southwest corner of town near the West ford. An 1874 plat showed a crossing at this site, and by 1885 the plat used the word bridge. After the original wooden bridge was condemned, a contract was awarded to the Atlas Bridge and Iron Company of Minneapolis for a 96 foot span bridge 16 feet wide on the inside with 3-inch oak plank flooring and cement backing. The new bridge officially opened in 1908 and was retired in 1990.

Madelia, Minnesota · United States