Train on Southern Pacific Railroad Bridge at Yuma

Datec. 1920

ClassificationsDocumentary Artifact

Terms

Catalog number1987.1.520

DescriptionA train crosses the Colorado River on the Southern Pacific Bridge around 1920.

This image was originally - and incorrectly - described as a Maricopa & Phoenix Railroad bridge, although no specific location was provided. Connecting the Southern Pacific mainline railroad at Maricopa, AZ to the city of Phoenix, this rail line had two major river crossings - the Gila River and the Salt River. Although three bridges over the Salt River at Tempe were of concrete and steel construction, all were constructed with Pratt-style trusses (as represeted by the two truss spans at the left of the photo). The span that carries the locomotive in this photo is a Camelback truss - no bridges at Tempe were of this design. The Maricopa & Phoenix Railroad also crossed a major bridge over the Gila River - when the old wooden bridge there was replaced by a steel and conrete bridge, it was of the steel trestle design (and lacking the superstructure of truss bridges).

However, comparison with photos of the old steel and concrete bridge (early 20th century) of the Southern Pacific Railroad at Yuma revealed that this was the same bridge depicted in this photo.

Note regarding the train crossing the bridge. The locomotive (with oil tender) is pulling a caboose and at least five passenger coaches. The position of the caboose in this photo is an unusual combination, since that type of car was usually on the end of the train (and generally on freight trains, rather than passenger trains). Most of the passenger coaches appear to be early 20th century designs (which tend to be longer than their 19th century predecessors). The first passenger coach may be an earlier design (as noted by the shorter length). Although it is hard to make out details of the steam locomotive in the photo, it's size suggests that it could be a main line engine (rather than a smaller yard engine or other specialized locomotive).

Previous description (misidentified):
Train crossing over a river on the Maricopa/Phoenix railroad bridge

Status

Not on view

Collections