“Rush!” shouted a cattle driver perhaps a bit too late. Here we are at the site of the Rush Street Bridge. It’s a place with a surprisingly dramatic past.
The Rush Street Bridge has a history marked by accidents and change. The first bridge here appeared in 1857. It was near the river’s mouth. So, it was considered the first bridge despite not actually being the first one built across the Chicago River. Before that, a rope ferry was the only way to cross.
In 1856, a tug ran down a crowded ferry boat. Six or eight people died. This tragedy spurred the city to build the first Rush Street Bridge. This original bridge cost $52,000. Harper and Tweedale built it. People considered it strong and durable. It spanned 209 feet. It was 33 feet wide.
But disaster struck in November 1863. A herd of cattle was crossing the Rush Street Bridge. A tugboat approached. The bridge tender started to swing the bridge. However, the cattle driver ignored the signals. The weight of the cattle caused the bridge to break. It fell into the river. Many cattle drowned. Fortunately, people on the bridge sustained no serious injuries.
The city quickly replaced it in 1864 with a wooden bridge. Fox and Howard built it for $10,000.
Another accident occurred later. In 1883, the schooner Granger collided with the Rush Street Bridge. The bridge was open at the time. The collision damaged the center of the bridge. This wrecked the structure.
The Rush Street Bridge also saw its share of traffic. By the early 20th century, it became a bottleneck. Traffic from Wabash and Michigan Avenues converged on the bridge. The 1909 Plan of Chicago addressed this issue. The plan called for a new bridge at Michigan Avenue. It also proposed the redevelopment of River Street as Wacker Drive.
The new Michigan Avenue Bridge opened in 1920. It was a modern bascule bridge. It featured a double deck. This relieved congestion. The Rush Street Bridge, its purpose fulfilled, was demolished. It was one of the last vestiges of 19th-century bridge-building.
In its time, the Rush Street Bridge played a vital role. It facilitated crossings over the Chicago River. It connected different parts of the city. Though prone to accidents, it adapted to Chicago’s growing needs. The Rush Street Bridge even carried more traffic than London Bridge. That fact underscores its importance to Chicago.
Today, little remains of the Rush Street Bridge. Yet, its story lives on. It’s a story of innovation. It is also a story of resilience. It is a testament to Chicago’s constant evolution. This place reminds us of the city’s continuous effort to improve and adapt. So, next time you cross a bridge in Chicago, remember the Rush Street Bridge. Think of its turbulent past. Consider its contribution to the city’s progress.