Davenport Bridge of 1856

Near this spot ans upon these stones rested the first bridge to span the Mississippi River

The First train consisting of alocomotive and eight cars passed over the bridge April 22, 1856

First Bridge Across the Mississippi River

Upon This pier rested the first bridge to span the mississippi river, Forming the original connectin link for uninterrupted railroad traffic betweent the atlantic and pacific oceans

Construction commenced July 16, 1853, completed April 21, 1856 by the Chicago and Rock Island railroad, Henry Farnam Chief Engineer

The first train consisting of a locomotive ans eight cars passed over the bridge April 22, 1856

This Tablet was unveiled October 10, 1922 at the commemoration of seventy year service of the Chicago Rock Islsnd and PAcific railrod company

Rock Island arsenal October 10, 1922 D. M. King. Colonal, Ord Dept., U. S. A. Commanding