If you’ve ever been to Fairview, a small community on the North Dakota border, you’ve probably seen the piers of Fairview Bridge standing proudly across the horizon. At first sight, this bridge may seem like a beautiful attraction, but it’s more than that: the Fairview Bridge has a rich history that whispers tales of what used to be and plays a role in the community today.
Standing Tall
Made of steel and concrete piers, Fairview Bridge has stood at an impressive height of 100 feet above the Yellowstone River for over a century. Spanning 1,320 feet across the river, this bridge is the perfect place to stop if you’re looking for a quarter-mile walk through history. Not only is the view impressive, this bridge holds a past that is sure to be of interest to any visitor or local.
A Rich History
Completed in 1913, the Fairview Bridge was originally built to be part of the Montana Eastern Railway, an ambitious plan of the Great Northern Railroad. Built by Gerrick & Gerrick, locals of North Dakota, this bridge has many ties to the area. The Fairview Lift Bridge adjoins the only completed railroad tunnel in North Dakota. Reaching 1,458 feet, this tunnel was made mostly by hand with the occasional help from horses, mules, and blasting powder.
Originally made to be a lift bridge to allow easier transportation for cargo ships, Fairview Bridge has only been raised once. In 1914, operators tested the lift. Though it worked, cargo ships that went along the Yellowstone River weren’t large enough to require the lift to be activated. The powerful lifting machinery is still located there today, placed atop the 108-foot steel towers.
The Fairview Bridge and Cartwright Tunnel operated for cars until 1956, and the train transportation continued until the 1980s. Due to the shift in common transportation, the lift was never used after its initial trial, as steamboats became less popular for cargo. The Great Northern Railroad’s ambitious project of the Montana Eastern Railway was never completed, but the Fairview Bridge stands as a token of remembrance to the community.
A Bright Future
Though its lift and transportation days are in the past, Fairview Bridge still plays a major role in the culture of this small town. Many groups are dedicated to preserving the heritage of this bridge, focusing on its rich history and bringing its story to the community. The local Fairview Chamber of Commerce transformed the bridge into a biking and walking path that residents and visitors are welcome to. One of the biggest events in Fairview, the annual Lighting of the Bridge keeps Fairview Bridge a popular destination. For over 15 years, this has been a tradition the community looks forward to all year long. Featuring fireworks, train rides, food and drink, and even a visit with Santa, this event really brings the Christmas spirit.
Whether you are just passing through, have never seen the bridge up close before, or are a frequent visitor, the Fairview Bridge welcomes you. Enjoy a walk through its steel trusses, learn more about its rich history, and experience the rural community that has been home to the bridge for over a century. To learn more about the attraction or its history, visit
Friends of the Fairview Bridge Facebook Page or
Fairview Chamber of Commerce.
Photos by Burnt Image Photography.
