Missoula’s 1st Bridge – Missoulian Sentinel Centennial Edition 1960
First Bridge Across River Built in ‘69
The first bridge was constructed across the Clark Fork River by William Stevens in the summer of 1869, early day residents of the city reported. It crossed the stream at a point almost directly south of St. Patrick Hospital.
A steep approach to the north end of the bridge was dug down through the high bank. During the high waters of 1871, this structure was swept away.
It is reported that when the bridge began to go, five boys were on it – Herbert Dana, Charles McWhirk, Charles Myers, Jeff Pelkey and Spence Pelkey. With considerable difficulty they managed to reach the south bank of the river before the bridge gave way completely.
At that time there was but one house on the south side of the river, the ranch home of Mr. and Mrs. Saron Blaine. The boys remained there overnight and returned to town the next day in a rowboat.