First Non-railroad Bridge Across the Willamette - circa 1888

A boy stands on the long ramp leading up to the original Center Street Bridge in Salem, opened in December, 1886, four months before the Morrison Street Bridge in Portland. Unfortunately the bridge had a very short life. It collapsed on February 3, 1890, during severe flooding along the Willamette River.

The second Center Street Bridge faired somwhat better. Built in 1891, its steel structure was soon deemed unsafe, but it lasted until 1918. The third bridge, opened that same year, is still in use today.

-- This photo is restored and printed by Old Oregon.