Built for $15,000 in 1907, this landmark KC bridge is still standing tall

Talk about a bargain. When the Blue Ridge Bridge was finished in 1907, the tab was only $15,000.

Not bad for an 80-foot tall, single arch, limestone bridge to carry traffic over 15th Street on the eastern edge of Kansas City.

And it still does.

But back to the early 20th century, and a time when automobiles were just starting to take over the road.

Because of its plum location—one of the highest elevations in Jackson County—people traveling on Blue Ridge Boulevard had sweeping views to both the east and west.

The story is told that a delegation from Jersey City, New Jersey, who’d come to see George Kessler’s parks and boulevard innovations toured the bridge shortly before it was completed. Looking toward the Blue River Valley, the group supposedly called it “one of the finest views west of the Hudson.”

They must not have made it to Colorado.

In 2014, after six months of renovations, the bridge that crosses what’s now known as Truman Road was officially rededicated.

Here’s something else to consider—the Blue Ridge Bridge sits just three blocks from another important part of of Kansas City history—Charlie Parker’s grave in Lincoln Cemetery.

Having trouble seeing the video? Watch it here.

Looking for more Kansas City history?

Elmwood Cemetery, the final resting place for many notable Kansas Citians, is also on Truman Road

How the Vanderslice family’s trek westward eventually led to the Pioneer Mother statue

Early adopters in the field of aviation could be found at a number of KC area airports