You might be surprised to learn the world’s first Railway Suspension Bridge was built in Niagara Falls by John Roebling over the Niagara River. Construction began in 1852 and was completed in 1855. In addition to trains, the bridge accommodated carriages and individuals. It cost $400,000 to build, was 250 metres (821 feet) long and crossed at the narrowest point of the Niagara River. The first locomotive of the Great Western Railway, “London”, crossed the bridge with no vibration on March 8, 1855.

Later, John Roebling would build another suspension bridge, The Brooklyn Bridge in 1875. It crossed the Hudson River between Manhattan and Brooklyn.

The Niagara Falls Railway Suspension Bridge remained until the late 1890’s. It was replaced by a steel arch bridge in the same location. Today, this bridge is in place but has remained closed for years.