Old Chain of Rocks Bridge

Every summer from the time I was 4 y/o(1951) until 12, I remember crossing this bridge as my family made the road trip from Chicago to Hope, Arkansas. This bridge was the highlight of the trip for me. I insisted that my parents wake me up when we got there so I could savor every minute as we crossed it. One yr. they didn't wake me, but I could sense the difference in the way the car was moving, and awoke on my own while crossing it. I was upset that I didn't have the experience from the entrance, but there was still plenty of bridge left.

I was just thinking of that old bridge and googled it on a whim. So thrilled to get to see the pics. they bring back memories.

This link has a pretty good explanation why, it has to do with river navigation and the way the bedrock is located.

http://www.rollanet.org/~conorw/cwome/article4.htm

I've always wondered why this bridge changes direction at the center pier. Is there some history to this? We used to drive across it before the new I-270 highway bridge was built and it seemed strange to have the sharp curve out in the center.

The view of the river is great with the literal "chain of rocks" spillway in clear sight and the old water system intake towers just south of the bridge. A canal with lock system takes river traffic around the "chain of rocks" spillway (or dam). Very interesting indeed.

I was very surprised to read about all of the robbery and vandelism that is going on there, being somewhat local (live near the airport). Chain of Rocks Park on the Missouri side of the span is within the city limits of St. Louis, way off in the northern tip of the city. I think that St. Louis, MO is the only city in the nation that is not in a county, thus, depends entirely on its own police department for security. St. Louis County can't help them. I don't know who's responsibility the east end falls under, it's in Illinois.

That is a real "black eye" for our region and to this stately, historic landmark. It is a situation that needs to be resolved, probably on a regional basis involving both states and all nearby communities. To get St. Louis City and County folks to cooperate may be a real challenge.

Don't leave any valuables in the vehicle at all (this includes purses, electronic items, etc.), and park from the Illinois side. Don't forget to lock the glove department on the vehicle. Leaving valuables in the trunk will not protect you from smash and grabs, as those petty thieves are not that stupid (they will smash the window and look for the trunk button inside the car).

I usually park the car at that one gas station in Granite City just east of the old canal bridge and just walk the 3 miles to access the bridge. The parking lot is much more secure (more vehicles and much more traffic, which seems to discourage that crime). I'm used to walking long distances to just about anywhere (my cousin and I used to do those 10 km volksmarches for quite a while).

I HAVE BEEN TO EAST ST. LOUIS SEVERAL TIMES TO VISIT RELATIVES, BUT NEVER KNEW ABOUT THE OLD BRIDGE. I AM INTERESTED IN VISITING IT (ILLINOIS-SIDE) IN MAY 2009, ALONG WITH SOME OTHER SIGHTS AS AN URBAN EXPLORER.

I WONDER IS IT REALLY DANGEROUS DURING THE SPRING-TIME AND DAYLIGHT HOURS? HAVE THERE BEEN MANY REPORTED ROBBERIES?

I JUST LEARNED THAT TEH BRIDGE WAS USED IN THE MOTION PICTURE, ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK, AND THAT HORRIBLE MURDERS HAPPENED THERE IN 1991. IS THERE ANYONE IN EDWARDSVILLE OR GRANITE CITY THAT CAN GIVE ME SOME TRUTH?

SIGNED, INTREPID TO TREPIDATION

You were robbed on the Illinois side? You really need to give us some details. My buddy and I went there in September of 2007 and found the Illinois side quite safe, but we are big strapping men.

Don't go. I went and was robbed on the Illinois side just today!

I live in Granite City, near the Chain of Rocks Bridge. Walking or biking the bridge is always a treat. Twice per year, classic cars are allowed to cross. A car show was held on the bridge this fall. The classic cars on this bridge are quite a site.

I have pictures of the bridge and cars on the bridge at these sites:

http://picasaweb.google.com/MPiperLCPC/ChainOfRocksBridge02#

http://picasaweb.google.com/MPiperLCPC/ChainOfRocks10408#

http://picasaweb.google.com/MPiperLCPC/CarsOnBridge#

I LOVE this old bridge and have visited four times in the past five years. I ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS park on the Illinois side and NEVER NEVER NEVER on the Missouri side. When you park on either side, put your things in your trunk BEFORE you get there as you ARE being watched on the MO side. In fact, I was there on Nov 1, 2008, and FOUR cars on the MO side where broken into the two hours we were (I was parked on the IL side, as I was the three previous times). The IL side is more difficult to get to which makes thug's getaways MUCH more difficult. The MO side is right off a main road which leads directly to the interstate. Enjoy this bridge parked on the IL side!!! :o)

We visited this bridge on a whim. Very neat preservation project but they need to invest in a security guard or an attendant on both sides of the river. We were gone from our car less than 30 minutes and a window had been busted out and my purse taken. Never assume you're not being watched!

We stopped by to see this beautiful bridge on our way home (Indiana) from Las Vegas, via route 66. A wonderfully built structure and worth seeing, but very remote and needs to have security due to the numerous vehicle break-ins and vandalism there. Was a little scary for my sister, 80 year old mother and brother to be there and not another sole or any protection around. We had just read about the 1991 murders before we arrived and since we were there 3 days after the 17th anniversary of these poor young women losing their lives, it was needless to say a bit sad. Would love to see Illinois and Missouri work together to preserve this bridge AND provide security, even if a small fee was required to walk across it. A memorial plaque should also be put into place for these 2 women, one of which has never been found.

I visited this bridge memorial day weekend 2005 and it was

great.My friend and I stayed at the Best Western Motel

next to the Hen House restaurant.The night before visiting

the bridge we visited the Lune Cafe I had a couple of Budweisers and my friend had a long island ice tea which

disagreed with him the next morning.It was a trip I will

never forget.

Outstanding photos, especially the aerial shot taken from the kite.

I had traveled the entire Route 66 except for walking the bridge because it was closed at the time. I came back to complete it with my family and we really enjoyed our time on the bridge. Unfortunately, when we returned to our car, it had been broken into and our purses stolen out of the trunk. The sign states "lock your valuables in your trunk". What it doesn't say is that someone is watching you. I wish Trailnet would hire someone to catch the people responsible. I know it would cost a lot, but right now they are stealing thousands from tourists and credit card companies daily!

Grew up minutes away from here, I use to walk this bridge lots, isn't that what that hole in the fence was for. Once a RiverRat always a RiverRat. Moved to Barnhart Mo. but still only a couple minutes from my river. Thanks for the memories.

Growing up on Chouteau Island in the early 60's, I remember this being a toll bridge. Walking across the bridge was like a stroll down memory lane.....

This bridge is featured in the 1981 movie "Escape From New York" as the "69th Street Bridge" and was also the site of a 1991 rape and murder of two sisters.