Red Bridge Locks
by Christopher McKenzie
Title
Red Bridge Locks
Artist
Christopher McKenzie
Medium
Photograph - Digital Photography
Description
Love locks continue to accumulate on the historic Red Bridge in South Kansas City, Missouri.
In 1859, the first red bridge was built by Colonel George N. Todd, a 50-year old Scottish stonemason. The 100-foot span covered wooden bridge on stone piers was located just downstream from today's bridges at one of the places across the Blue River where the Sante Fe Trail had crossed. It was painted red, hence the origin of "Red Bridge".
The original bridge was torn down in 1892 and a steel bridge, called a 'tin' bridge, also painted red replaced it. The 1859 bridge was dismantled and the wood recycled into barns by local farmers.
A third Red Bridge replaced the 1892 'tin' bridge and was dedicated by Harry S. Truman in January 1933 during the Great Depression. The bridge was made of concrete, steel and red granite.
Finally, the road going over the 1933 bridge was directed over a brand new bridge in approx. 2011 and this old Red Bridge had some preservation work done was left in place for park visitors to enjoy. Now it has become a place to signify love.
Uploaded
July 28th, 2016
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