The Many Bridges of the Quad Cities
In this episode of Artifacts & Archives, we explore the many bridges that span the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities, with a special focus on the historic railroad crossings that helped shape the region into a major transportation hub. We discuss how these engineering feats connected communities, strengthened industry, and brought both opportunity and tension to life along the river.
The story takes a dramatic turn with the tale of a steamboat collision that challenged the balance between river travel and rail expansion. That incident led to a significant legal case involving a young Abraham Lincoln, long before his presidency, tying a local event to a figure of national importance and showing how the Quad Cities played a role in a much larger story.
Episode Resources
Additional Resources
Biographical Sketches of the Leading Men of Chicago
John Warner – Rock Island Argus
Judge William Bailey – Obituary
We’re Number One: Davenport Firsts
The Little Engine that Did—another first for Davenport!
Henry Farnam’s Life and Work Near the Mississippi
Views expressed during this podcast belong to the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the Davenport Public Library or the Putnam Museum & Science Center. Hosts attempt to use historically accurate language and racial terminology set forth by the Smithsonian Institute. We are committed to intellectual honesty and scholarly integrity in presenting information and objects described in this podcast.
