October 31, 1863 – Iowa City’s first “free” bridge – the Burlington Street Bridge – collapses as a herd of cattle owned by LeGrand Byington become spooked as they are being led over the Iowa River.

The oldest “public” bridge in Iowa City, was approved at Burlington Street in 1859 and was completed in 1860. A wooden structure – like the toll bridges that preceded it – and poorly constructed, the bridge was wildly popular, putting the older “toll” bridges out of business.

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