1-71 Morgan Oak St Street
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Prior to 1928 traffic across the Mississippi River from Cape Girardeau to Illinois was handled by a ferry. In the summer of 1928 a bridge was built across the river and was hailed as “The Gateway to the Ozarks.” This bridge was built for the cars of the day and was only 20 feet wide and big trucks routinely bumped mirrors when they passed each other. In December 2003, a new four-lane cable-stay bridge crossing the Mississippi River at Cape Girardeau was opened and was named "The Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge" after former U.S. Congressman William Emerson who championed the federal funding for the bridge's construction. The portal of the old bridge was left standing after the bridge was demolished. This portal has since been incorporated into a river overlook as part of the new River Campus of the Southeast Missouri State University. This overlook includes a viewing scope that provides a commanding view of the Mississippi River. There is also access to the River Campus Trail which provides a leisurely walk along the historic grounds bordering the river. Interpretive signage scattered along the Trail also provides a great deal of insight into the rich history and heritage of the area.
Visiting the Old Bridge Overlook
Dawn - Dusk
There is no charge to visit the Old Bridge Overlook
Learn more about the community of Cape Girardeau