“A bridge built for a horse?” you might ask. Indeed, the Dan Patch Line Bridge has a unique origin story. This swing bridge, spanning the Minnesota River between Bloomington and Savage, Minnesota, owes its existence to a champion racehorse named Dan Patch. The Dan Patch Line Bridge was built in 1908 by Marion W. Savage, the horse’s owner. Savage envisioned an electric railroad stretching from Minneapolis to Northfield, primarily to connect the Twin Cities to his farm and stables south of the river. The bridge was a key part of this “Dan Patch Line.” Originally, the Dan Patch Line Bridge carried not only trains but also a single lane of vehicle traffic on its east side. Imagine horse-drawn carriages and early automobiles sharing the bridge with the train, regulated by semaphore traffic lights. The Minneapolis, Northfield and Southern Railroad took over the line after the original company went bankrupt. The Dan Patch Line Bridge has seen its share of challenges over the years, including floods, barge strikes, and the eventual closure and removal of the roadway in the 1980s. Today, the bridge is owned by the Twin Cities and Western Railroad. While currently not in regular use, the Dan Patch Line Bridge stands as a testament to a bygone era. It represents a unique blend of horse racing history, railroad ambition, and the changing transportation needs of a growing region. It’s a quiet giant, waiting for its next chapter.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to