The Truesdell Bridge Disaster A Turning Point in American Engineering

The Truesdell Bridge disaster happened on May 4, 1873, in Dixon, Illinois, when the bridge collapsed under the weight of a large crowd gathered for a baptism celebration, plunging about 200 people into the Rock River. The collapse resulted in 46 fatalities. Among the victims was Samuel Harper, who drowned after being caught in the icy waters. The disaster highlighted the critical need for structural integrity and rigorous safety standards in engineering.