Then and now: Monroe Street Bridge scene

When the 1911 Monroe Street Bridge opened, it was the tallest and longest concrete span of its kind. Though it was soon eclipsed by other bridges, it’s an elegant symbol of old Spokane with its giant arches and smaller arched spandrels.

Section:Gallery

Sun., May 3, 2020

The steel Monroe Street Bridge, built in 1891 and seen here in 1905, carried streetcars, horse-drawn wagons and pedestrians, but users said it vibrated badly when the heavy streetcars went across. It was dismantled in 1910 and the new concrete span opened in 1911. Also in this photo, the original Washington Water Power powerhouse, at lower right, two flour mills and the largest brewery in Spokane at the time.

The Spokesman-Review Photo Archive The Little Art Studio
When the 1911 Monroe Street Bridge, seen here in 20202, opened, it was the tallest and longest concrete span of its kind. Though it was soon eclipsed by other bridges, it’s an elegant symbol of old Spokane with its giant arches and smaller arched spandrels.

Jesse Tinsley The Spokesman-Review