August 2025: The Black Bridge – Jackson’s Wooden Gateway to the Future

Photo: The original wooden “Black Bridge” over the Des Moines River, circa 1880s.

In this month’s archival spotlight, we turn our gaze to one of Jackson County’s most enduring symbols of progress: The Black Bridge.

Built around 1879, this wooden railroad bridge spanned the Des Moines River and marked a major turning point in the region’s development. It was constructed to serve the new rail line that was transforming transportation across southern Minnesota¹. The bridge earned its nickname not from its materials, but from the dark creosote treatment used to preserve the wood and rails a detail that added to its rugged character².

For many years, the Black Bridge was a vital link between Jackson’s emerging downtown and the growing commerce that the railroad brought in. It carried everything from lumber and livestock to letters and passengers tying together the people, industries, and ambitions of a young frontier town.

While the original wooden structure was eventually replaced by a more modern design, this photo preserves a glimpse of its early days, capturing the raw ingenuity and determination of those who helped shape Jackson's identity.