Hannibal Bridge
Hannibal Bridge | |
|---|---|
A postcard c. 1908 shows the Hannibal Bridge after its reconstruction due to severe structural damage | |
| Coordinates | 39°06′46″N 94°35′19″W / 39.112672°N 94.58864°W |
| Carries | Railroad and pedestrians |
| Crosses | Missouri River |
| Locale | Kansas City, Missouri to North Kansas City, Missouri |
| Other name(s) | Missouri River Bridge |
| History | |
| Opened | 1869 |
| Closed | 1917 |
| Location | |
The First Hannibal Bridge was the first permanent rail crossing of the Missouri River and helped establish the City of Kansas (renamed Kansas City, Missouri, in 1889) as a major city and rail center. In its early days, it was called the Kansas City Bridge. It increased area train traffic, which contributed to the building of Union Depot, the predecessor to the Kansas City Union Station. It was severely damaged by a tornado and replaced in virtually the same location by the Second Hannibal Bridge.