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Sibley's Ferry Stone Arch

Historic Stone Arch Bridge over Local Trail
Mendota, Dakota County, Minnesota

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Sibley's Ferry Stone Arch
Built By Minnesota Central Railway Company
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Dakota County
Length 75 Feet Total (Estimated)
Width 2 Tracks
Height Above Ground 20 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Stone Arch
Substructure Type Stone Masonry
Date Built 1865
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is Abandoned)
Current Status Abandoned
MILW Bridge Number S-369
Significance High Significance


This bridge is simply put, one of the most significant structures in the state of Minnesota.
Likely the oldest railroad feature, and definitely the oldest railroad bridge, it is a concealed and commonly overlooked structure.
Built in 1865 as the railroad began building a swing bridge around Fort Snelling, photographic evidence shows the 1865 date to be correct.
The bridge itself is in a fair to poor condition, and is held up by large concrete panels on the west face.
When built, bridge was originally built to cross the road to Sibley's Ferry, the major road crossing to Fort Snelling at the time.
In 2018, the bridge is largely abandoned, although it has receives some attention by walkers, hikers and others who stop to admire it.

The author has ranked this bridge as being highly significant, due to the age and preservation.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge can be accessed from the road it crosses.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Photographic Evidence
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele