The Eads Bridge across the Mississippi was opened for pedestrians. This privately funded bridge cost five cents to cross or, for ten cents, you could stay and “promenade in the cool river breezes.”

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.