St. Charles Railroad Bridge Collapse Missouri River

December 8, 1881

A railroad bridge across the Missouri at St. Charles collapsed for the third time! Thirty one freight cars plunged into the river. It was also proving to be a hazard for steamboats. Editor’s note: the image above depicts a collapse on the same bridge that occurred two years prior.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.

Related Posts
Charles Lindbergh Air Mail Spirit of St. Louis

December 10, 1929

Direct air mail service began between St. Louis and New York.

Missouri Pacific Railroad

December 9, 1852

The first passenger train in Missouri began scheduled operations (Pacific Railroad). The first trip was over all four miles of the company's track.

Dick Van Dyke West Plains Missouri

December 13, 1925

Birthday of singer-dancer-funnyman, Dick Van Dyke from West Plains, MO.

Bigbamride Website, Copy the following: