The Copper Range Railroad crossed three branches of the Firesteel River northeast of Greenland. In total, the three spans of bridge totaled 1,400 feet long and were from 65 to 85 feet high. These continue to be used for hiking and snowmobile traffic.
Image info: Top, Copper Range 103 pulling a passenger train crosses over one of the three Firesteel trestles northbound with six cars. [Earl Gagon photo, MTU]
Bridge #2 was a steel & concrete trestle, 554' long. Built in 1899 and rebuilt in 1910.
Bridge #3 was a steel & concrete trestle, 597' long. Built in 1899 and rebuilt in 1910.
Bridge #4 was a steel & concrete trestle, 516' long. Built in 1899 and rebuilt in 1910.
1899. December 27. The three bridges were completed and opened after a "last spike" ceremony. The spike was driven cy Chief Engineer Thomas Appleton during an intense snow storm. The spike was made of copper. It was presented to president William A. Paine. [CRR]
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