Frisco Bridge

The Frisco Bridge is a steel truss structure with cantilever arms that crosses the Mississippi River between Tennessee and Arkansas. It measures approximately 1,528 meters in length and remains in active use by trains today.

The bridge opened in 1892 and represented a major engineering achievement using advanced steel construction methods of the era. It played a key role in connecting railroad networks across the United States and remains largely unchanged since its completion.

The bridge has long served as a visual landmark for Memphis residents and represents the railroad's role in connecting distant regions. It stands as a tangible reminder of how transportation infrastructure shaped the city's identity and development.

Visitors can observe the bridge from the river level or photograph it from nearby walking paths along the waterfront. The best vantage point is from the southern riverbank paths in Memphis where the steel structure is clearly visible.

The bridge was among the first major structures to use complex mathematical calculations for steel stress analysis during its design. This innovative approach to engineering calculations influenced how later bridges across America were built.

Location: Tennessee

Official opening: May 12, 1892

Length: 1,528 m

GPS coordinates: 35.12860,-90.07640

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:42