First Steel Bridge, Portland - circa 1888

This is Portland's first steel bridge, from a photo taken shortly after its completion in 1888. It was the first railroad bridge across the Willamette in Portland.

Like the current Steel Bridge that replaced it in 1912, it was a two layer bridge, with railroad tracks on the lower level and pedestrians and carriages on the upper level. Unlike the current bridge, this one was a swing-span design, meaning the center section pivoted to allow river traffic to pass by.

Note the shadow of the photographer in the lower right corner.

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