As I mentioned last week, I recently returned from a trip to Duluth, Minnesota! I had never been to that city before, so when I arrived I was instantly charmed!
One of the first things we saw upon getting to town was the Aerial Lift Bridge.
The bridge was built in 1904-1905.
According to the Duluth Library's website:
The Aerial Lift Bridge, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Minnesota, was constructed as the Aerial Ferry Bridge. Before that time, Park Point [the land that the bridge currently connects to Duluth] was only accessible by ferry boats and, during the winter months, a temporary suspension bridge. The original Aerial Ferry Bridge consisted of much of today's structure but, instead of the lift span, a suspended car, or gondola, ferried people and vehicles on a one-minute trip across the canal. The gondola could carry the equivalent of a loaded street car, two loaded wagons with teams, and 350 people. The gondola made twelve trips per hour between 5:00 a.m. and midnight and two trips per hour from midnight until morning. The lift span was added in 1929-1930 to handle increased traffic. At that time, the bridge operators moved from running the gondola to working in the control house in the center of the span. The bridge first lifted for a vessel on March 29, 1930.
If you can believe it, the Aerial Bridge lifts an average of 5,500 times a year, and over forty times a day during the summer months. It is owned and operated by the City of Duluth.
Not only is it a necessary structure in the city, but it is also a significant (and beautiful) addition to the city's skyline.
As if the bridge isn't cool enough, it is also located next to a lighthouse!
The Duluth Harbor South Breakwater (Inner) was built in 1901, though the station was established in 1889.
The lighthouse is still functional, with a light that flashes white every 5 seconds. The tower stands 67 ft atop a steel skeletal tower with lantern, double gallery, and central cylinder.
The original 4th order Fresnel lens (1896), with its pedestal and rotating mechanism, is on display at the Lake Superior Marine Museum. The lighthouse is painted black, except for the watch room and lantern sides sides which are white.
In 2007 the lighthouse was offered for transfer, but when no preservation groups qualified to receive it, it was sold at auction to two residents of Duluth.
The light was sold for $31,000.00 in 2008- what a steal, right?
Of course, most of these photos were taken on my first night in town... which means I still have a lot to share! Feel free to stop by over the next few days to see more of Duluth!
Thanks for visiting- I hope you have a great day!
