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Dale Creek Bridge, Sherman, Wyoming, 1885. A dangerous crossing that required trains to slow down to 4mph. (sh.itjust.works)
submitted 2 years ago by to c/historyporn@lemmy.world
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[–] 22 points 2 years ago (1 child)

There's an easy solution to make bridges stable in windy conditions:

(That bridge was built from 1846 to 1851 and it's still used today)

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  • [–] 18 points 2 years ago (1 child)

    And how do you propose you get all those bricks to some remote pass in Wyoming in the late 19th century? There was 21,000 (non-native) people living in an area larger than the entire United Kingdom in 1880.

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  • [–] 44 points 2 years ago (2 children)

    I mean... A train?

    I get you though; built with what's readily available to meet the needs of the time.

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  • [–] 4 points 2 years ago

    It's not jist about what's readily available either. A giant brick viaduct would require thousands if workers, housing, food, and sanitation for them. On top of that, the army would have to dedicate a full company ti protecting the workers due to the risk of attack from natives. The logistics just make it impossible for such a remote area back then.

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