Bridgeport Bridge

Bridgeport Bridge is a steel truss structure spanning the Skunk River near Denmark, built from components manufactured in 1904. The main span measures about 240 feet, and its design uses a through-truss system with metal framework typical of early industrial bridge engineering.

It was built in 1904 by Clinton Bridge and Iron Works to replace an earlier structure with failing foundations. The new steel design provided a more lasting solution for crossing the river in that region.

It reflects how local engineers solved transportation problems in the early 1900s using industrial steel technology. The structure shows the style and methods that shaped how communities connected across rivers during that era.

The bridge is now closed to vehicle traffic but remains accessible for walking and photography, allowing visitors to examine the early steel construction up close. You should approach carefully as the structure requires ongoing maintenance and inspection due to its age.

It features a rare pin-connected truss design with a polygonal upper chord, an unusual choice among engineers of that time. This specific detail makes it noteworthy among similar structures from the same era.

Location: Iowa

GPS coordinates: 40.79028,-91.36389

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:22