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Abandoned Groundhouse River Bridge

Abandoned Stone Arch Bridge over Little Groundhouse River
West of Ogilvie, Kanabaec County, Minnesota

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Abandoned Groundhouse River Bridge
Built By St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Private Owner
Length 60 Feet Total
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 15 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Stone Arch
Substructure Type Stone Masonry
Date Built 1892
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is Abandoned)
Current Status Abandoned
GN Bridge Number (1908) 51
Significance Moderate Significance


This bridge is one of the most recognized structures in the region of Minnesota. While I was photographing it, two separate people showed up to document its beauty.
Built in 1892, the bridge crosses the Little Groundhouse River. This massive stone arch features smooth cut stone, large wing walls and an overwhelming size.
In addition, the bridge is listed as being 40 feet long, possibly the largest single span stone arch in Minnesota.
Unfortunately, Kanabec County turned down to acquire the railroad upon abandonment, and it turned over to local landowners. Fortunately, the bridge can easily be seen and documented from state right of way.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in near perfect condition. On the south face, virtually no deterioration could be found.

The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the large scale size and perfect historic integrity.
The photo above is an overview.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Great Northern Railway 1908 Bridge Records at the Minnesota Historical Society
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele