Tempe History Museum: Railroad Bridges & Train Stations in the City of TempeThis story map application depicts the historic development of railroad bridges and train stations in the City of Tempe. Historic photographs, along with illustrative map features help to tell the story of Tempe's rail history. Railroad Bridges in
Tempe
Early railroads in the valley were plagued by mishaps and
none more prevalent than those caused by floods that washed out tracks and
river crossings. The most vulnerable part of the valley’s transportation system
would be at the early bridges built by the Maricopa & Phoenix and Phoenix
& Eastern Railroads. The frequent damage resulted in financial hardship,
service interruptions and outright disasters until the Roosevelt Dam was built
in 1911 to control the waters.
The site of the narrow crossing with a solid bedrock
foundation was recognized as the ideal point for connecting to regions north
and south of the Salt River. The location was clearly marked by Tempe Butte and
was typically a safe and reliable place to forge the river. Tempe Crossing
would become the most important network of bridges over the Salt River, conveying
vehicles, goods, and people, beginning with the first railroad bridge built in
1887.Train Stations in
Tempe
Tempe’s train stations were a hub of communication, commerce
and travel. As train tracks were built, telegraph lines followed the rails to
bring instant communication to remote towns along the line. Long distance mail
service was handled by trains, and freight items, both personal and business,
came and went from the station. There were four train stations built in Tempe
during its history, not including with numerous commuter stations associated
with light rail service today.