The swing bridge spans the Mississippi River between Inver Grove Heights and St. Paul Park. (credit: Melissa Neibacher)
Rock Island Swing Bridge Fire
Rock Island Swing Bridge Fire
Inver Grove Heights acquired ownership of the structure. (credit: Melissa Neibacher)
Rock Island Swing Bridge Fire
The United States Coast Guard deemed the bridge an obstruction to navigation in April 2001 and issued a removal order for the entire bridge. (credit: Melissa Neibacher)
Rock Island Swing Bridge Fire
In 2009, it was named one of the 10 Most Endangered Historic Places in Minnesota. (credit: Melissa Neibacher)
Rock Island Swing Bridge Fire
Fans of the bridge began organizing fundraisers to try and raise money to repair and rebuild the bridge, hoping to turn it into an overlook and fishing pier. (credit: Melissa Neibacher)
Rock Island Swing Bridge Fire
In November of 2008, 200 feet of concrete and steel fell off the 609-foot-long bridge on the eastern side. (credit: Melissa Neibacher)
Rock Island Swing Bridge Fire
The bridge was built in 1895 and was once used by John Dillinger to flee from FBI agents. (credit: Melissa Neibacher)
Rock Island Swing Bridge Fire
The bridge was closed in 1999 because of safety concerns. (credit: Melissa Neibacher)
Rock Island Swing Bridge Fire
The fire began in the afternoon on Nov. 4, 2010. (credit: Melissa Neibacher)
