Magnolia Bridge
Text
Magnolia Bridge was built in 1908, when Bayou St. John was still a commercial waterway. It is a Pratt Truss bridge that originally pivoted at the center to allow commercial vessels and barges to pass through the bayou. Prior to the 1970s the bridge was open to vehicular traffic but is now limited to pedestrians and bicyclists. The bridge connects Cabrini High School to Harding Drive and the neighborhood once known as Magnolia Gardens. It is a popular site for weddings and neighborhood social events.
In 2011 the Magnolia Bridge was added to the Louisiana Landmarks Society "New Orleans Nine," a list of endangered historic treasures. An organization known as the "Re-Bridge" project has been founded to restore and preserve the bridge.
Files
Evening on Bayou St. John
This postcard clearly shows the turning mechanism under the Magnolia Bridge. In 1936 this turning mechanism was deactivated. Image is in the Public Domain. Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Bridge Over Bayou St. John
An image of what appears to be the Magnolia Bridge, dated sometime between 1880 - 1920. Image courtesy of Nancy Brister. Image can also be found on her website, www.old-new-orleans.com.
Bridge over Bayou St. John
Another view of what appears to be the Magnolia Bridge, dated from 1880 - 1920. Image courtesy of Nancy Brister. Image can also be found on her website, www.old-new-orleans.com.Map
Show Comments