Victorian Footbridge, Forest Park

In 1885, this footbridge was built as part of a new pedestrian route into Forest Park from the nearby streetcar stop. Located in the naturalized northeast corner of the park, the bridge is 100 feet and spans the River Des Peres Lagoon. The bridge was designed in the Victorian style, featuring cast iron and ornate details. In terms of engineering, it has been described as difficult to classify, as it combines elements of a truss bridge with a suspension bridge. Following its restoration in 1994 by the Forest Park Forever Women's Committee, the footbridge has become a popular site for pedestrians and photographers.

The Victorian Footbridge in Forest Park was built the late 1800s. At the time of its planning and construction, it was intended as part of a pedestrian route from the Forest Park streetcar stop. Prior to the construction of the bridge, the park was enjoyed mainly by affluent residents of the City, as wealthy neighborhoods began to crop up around the perimeter of the park. Following the construction of the Victorian Footbridge, however, the park became more accessible.

The main span of the bridge is 65-feet in length, extending over a quiet portion of the Des Peres River, known as the Des Peres Lagoon. The bridge has a 100-foot span in total. It is considered a pony truss and suspension bridge. Located in the northeast corner of Forest Park, the Victorian Footbridge is surrounded by trees, shrubs, and walking trails. Amidst this naturalized landscape, some of the characteristic Victorian elements of the footbridge stand out in striking contrast. These Victorian details include Black cast iron trusses, Italianate ornamentation, and stylized fleur-de-lis designs.

In 1994, the footbridge was fully restored by the Forest Park Forever Women's Committee, and a historical plaque was embedded in the ground at one end of the bridge. Today, the bridge is enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike. It is also a popular spot for photography, especially wedding photography. It can easily be reached from the Central West End neighborhood on the east side of Forest Park. Within the park, the bridge is southeast of Round Lake and just a short walk north from Klein Prairie, situating it close to picnic spots.

Victorian Footbridge, Forest Park Forever. Accessed June 4th 2022. https://forestparkmap.org/victorian-footbridge.

Holth, Nathan . Victorian Footbridge, Historic Bridges. Accessed June 4th 2022. https://historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=missouri/victorianfootbridge/.

Nickleman. Forest Park's Victorian Bridge, St. Louis History Blog. July 11th 2015. Accessed June 5th 2022. https://stlouishistoryblog.com/2015/07/11/forest-parks-victorian-bridge/.