PMB067 WINNIPEG - LOUISE BRIDGE

PHOTOGRAPH
Approx. 10 x 18 cm

Date: Not evident, but this bridge (Winnipeg's first bridge) was built in 1881. The lack of trees and shrubbery suggest that this is likely a very early image of the bridge.

Publisher / Photographer: Mitchell, Winnipeg (most likely J. F. Mitchell).

Notation: The Louise Bridge was opened on July 26, 1881,, crossing the Red River to from Elmwood to Point Douglas. It was part of the deal that brought the Canadian Pacific Railway to Winnipeg. The CPR was considering a route further north near Selkirk. But Winnipeg sweetened its offer by promising to construct a bridge across the Red River which the CPR could use for free.The Louise Bridge was constructed to convey traffic and pedestrians as well as the trains. It did so until about 1905. At that point, the CPR determined it was not strong enough to carry its newer and heavier trains - so a new railway bridge was constructed further south, With that development, the City of Winnipeg replaced the original Louise Bridge in 1911.