The city treasurer will today pay Strobe! & co., Of Chicago, representing the Keystone company, of Pittsburg, Pa., the sum Of $51,544 on the final estimate, and the sum of $19,400, being the amount of penalties remitted by the city council at its last meeting, for the superstructure Of the Smith avenue bridge, making in all $70,944. This finishes paying for the bridge, which, if not the highest in price, is one of the most lofty in the country. For this reason it has taken the name of High Bridge. It is 185 feet above the water in the river. and is 212 feet high at the point where it touches the bluff on the West side. The other highest bridge in America is the one recently completed over the Hudson river at Peekskill, N. Y. that bridge. however. is lower at its highest point than 212 feet. The St. Paul High bridge was given the nickname of the Mohawk bridge because at the time the work was first proposed, Mohawk avenue. on the West side (afterwards changed to Smith avenue). had not been opened, and its opening to the river created a deal of discussion.
When Mohawk on the other side and Forbes street on this side of the river were changed to Smith avenue, as a compliment to the executive of St. Paul, that gentleman modestly protested, and his protest was sincere. Mr. Smith had a feeling akin to that which dictated the Scriptural injunction. “Remove not the ancient landmarks.” There were several streets on the Mendota side Indian names such as Winnebago, Chippewa, Cherokee and Mohawk avenues. and the mayor came very near vetoing the resolution of the council which obliterated one or those names. although a great mark of respect to himself. Since it was opened to travel the High bridge has been visited daily by hundreds of people in vehicles,on horseback and on foot. From its most eminent elevation it affords the most magnificent view of the river and the beautiful bluffs on both sides of the river. The bridge is considered one of the interesting features of St. Paul that summer visitors should be admonished not to ignore.
St. Paul Globe- September 14th, 1889
