Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1855-01-30

.H..It ... Reported for the Times.
GRAND CELEBRATION
THE OPENING
Mississippi River Wire Suspension
Bridge,
ST. ANTHONY AND MINNEAPOLIS.

St. Anthony is about 10 miles from Paul-posses
sing one OF the best Water Powers in the Union
Minneapolis is directly opposite st. Anthony, and
the two are connected by the Bridge.
The completion and opening of this beautiful
structure, was celebrated at the above places on
the
Twenty-third day Of january, 1855.
in highly creditable manner.
DESCRIPTION OF THE BRIDGE.
We would gladly give place to the Report Of
MIR. Griffith, the Engineer of the work, but as that
has already been submitted to the public, our
readers will content themselves with q more gen.
eral description. The Bridge is located about one
hundred yards above the Rapids. The founda-
tions supporting the piers carried up about Is
feet above the low water level. The frames which
rest upon these are very strong. We cannot cx-
plain the method in which the timber is disposed
of more satisfactorily, than by referring read
ers to the Report of the Engineer; but We rill
say that although we not vcrsed in the science
of carpentry, it is difficult to conceive how the
same amount of material could be made to sus-
tain quarter the weight in the position required.
The two Towers, on either side of the river, are
connected together by sort of bridge work,
which adds to their stability. The whole of this
framing, which is of itself truly beautiful, is COW
cred by sheathng of boards, and much taste is
exhibited to make amends for the mechanical
beauties that stand concealed within. The top of
each tower is ornamented with species Of balco-
ny over which light roof is thrown, and their
general appearance naturally suggests that they
will be the resort of those who (by the favor Of
Capt. Tapper) wish to enjoy on warm summer
evening, as the Sun sinks in the West, a view of
the sparkling waters and the lovely towns on eth
er side The cables pass above the lattice railing
of these balconies and rest upon the saddles
These balconies are supported by brackets which
are in character with the general style of the ar
chtecture. The sheathing commences below these
balconies and consists of three tiers of nine inch
boards and four and half inch battcns, which,
having somewhat more inclination than the sides
of the frame, the lower end of each sheathing is
pro, ,ected some distance beyond the tops of the
succeeding course, and as the ends Of the boards
and batting are all pointed, the effect is very
pleasing. Blinds are placed in three sides of each
Tower which add much to their appearance they
are intended for ventilation. That portion of
the frame connecting the Towers, is also covered
in such Il manner rs to harmonizc with the gen.
eral character Of the architecture.
In each tower there is an ornamental door by
which access may be had at any time to any por-
tion of the frame, there being stairway inside.
There is also neat window in each of the tow
ers which looks out on the river. This arrange
ment Is also intended to accommodate the bridge
keeper during the summer season. What style of
architecture has been attempted it would be diff
cult to say, but to sum it all up there is breach
of good taste, no effort to pretention, and the
tout ensemble" pleascs the eye of every one.
The anchorage was obtained in rather novel
manner, and reflects credit upon the capacity of
the Engineer to adapt his plans to circumstances.
Large holes drilled through the limestone rock
which is some ten feet thick, through which the
anchorage ircns were passed. The limestone rests
upon bed of clay about four feet thick and be-
low this is the sand stone rock. Tunnels were
driven in the strata Of clay, by which access was
obtained to the under side of the lime stone at
the required points, and the heavy cast iron plates
carried in and attached.
We arc informed by the Engineer that this tun-
nelng cost about one dollar per linear foot.
The bridge way, which is that portion of the work
which attracts the most attention, is supported by
four cables, each composed of 500 strands of No.
10 wire. The bridge way is attached to these by
small cables Of the same material. The struc-
ture has light appearance, from the fact that
the bridge crowns like an arch about two feet.
The span Of the bridge is 600 feet, and the width
inc; Io IF -
80 lbs. per superficial foot, for that portion of
the platform which can be occupied by teams
Although the structure has a most fairy-like APP
pearance.
THE CELEBRATION.
At an early hour in the day the st. Charles
Hotel was completely filled with visitors who had
gathered to witness and participate in the cere
monies, and who, notwithstanding the severe cold
weather, were in exhilaratng spirits, and anxious
to promote harmony. The merry bells rung out OH
the air, rapidly the dashing cutters, filled with
life and beauty, discharged their precious loads.
At about one O'Clock, the procession, under the
direction of DR.. John II. Murphy, Chief Marshal,
and Z. E. B. Nash, Assistant, began to form at
the St. Charles, and when under way, presented
very lively and imposing scene. Heading the
procession was large wagon, drawn by two
horses, decorated with small American flags, in
which rode Lawrence's Brass Band, and over them
foatcd the Star-Spangled Banner. Following,
were upwards of sirty single and doublc-horse
sleighs, containing, at least, some two hundred
and fifty persons. As the procession moved
through the main street, and as the horses gaily
danced to most excellent music, a cannon. sta
toned on Niccollet Island, sent forth its d zen.
booming tones, welcoming the pageant to the first
bridge that spans the s'Father of Waters,o and
that, too, nearly two thousand miles from its
mouth, and in country where but few years
ago the savage held undisputed sway. On enter
ing the Bridge, wreathes of evergreen encirclcd
the arch, and on either side, branches of ever
greens met the eye. Not more than eight sleighs
were on the Bridge at one time, and yet there
was no perceptible jar-all passed over it safely,
giving vent to their admiration in ejaculatory ex-
clamatons Of" Oh, how beautiful pc how
strong pc how delghtful!'' The scene on
the Minneapolis side was truly soul-stirring. 1t
was the gathering of all the s!eighs, with their
variegated colors-thc prancing steeds-the mer-
ry bells. the laughing beauties and the eager desire
of the " sterner sex" to exhibit their skill with
the reins, produced sight, the like of which we
have never witnessed in the West. Shortly after
the procession was again under way, and taking