The Volunteer Millers of de Immigrant Windmill will be hosting Historic Bridges of the Mississippi: From Muscatine to Savanna at the Windmill Cultural Center on Monday, July 2, 2018, at 6:00 p.m. The center is located at 111 10th Avenue, in downtown Fulton, IL, across from the authentic Dutch Windmill. These monthly programs are supported by a grant from D. S.Flikkema Foundation.
Dr. Curt Roseman will review the historic bridges spanning the Mississippi River in this local area. The focus of his illustrated presentation is on the bridges built in the 19th century, in eastern Iowa and northwestern Illinois. Starting with Muscatine, then the Quad Cities, north to Clinton, Lyons,IA, and Fulton, IL, he will go as far north as Savanna, IL.
Basic bridge designs and context in which they were established will be emphasized. Numerous 19th century bridges in this area can claim some distinctive histories along the Mississippi River. They include the first, second, and third railroad bridges to be opened on the Mississippi, and the earliest iron span to be included in a bridge on the river. This region also had the second high wagon bridge on the river.
Dr. Roseman was born and raised in Moline, IL, earning his Ph.D. at the University of Iowa. Presently, he is a Professor Emeritus of Geography at the University of Southern California. He was on the faculty of University of Illinois from 1969 to 1985, and at USC from 1985 to 2004. As a professional, Roseman wrote dozens of scholarly articles and published several books. Most recently, Dr. Roseman’s research and writing focused on the historical geography of the Upper Mississippi River region, along with Los Angeles–besides the local history of the Quad Cities.
The program is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served following the presentation. The facility is accessible to persons with disabilities.
For more information, visit the Windmill Cultural Center and de Immigrant Facebook page or Fulton, IL’s, Tourism Facebook page, cityoffulton.us website, or call 815-589-3925.