Benton Park Bridge - St. Louis, MO
Posted by: 
YoSam.
N 38° 35.869 W 090° 13.327
15S E 741918 N 4275806
Originally the lake was on both sides, but after constant water loss, and English Cave underneath was concreted shut, lake was reduced in size.
Waymark Code: WMMMEM
Location: Missouri, United States
Date Posted: 10/09/2014
Views: 1
County of bridge: St. Louis Independent City
Location of bridge: Arsenal St. side, Benton Park at the lake, St. Louis
Bridge built 1866 (about)
I have asked many people, including the St. Louis Parks Department, about the beautiful iron works closing off the underside of the bridge. Security is the only answer I have received
This bridge is along side the artificial lake, which is stocked and available for fishing.
The lot, 14+ acres was set aside by the city in 1836 for future use as a cemetery. But with the development of Bellefontaine and Calvary Cemeteries (1866) in North St. Louis, the city no longer was pressed for cemetery space and this area was released for park use.
"One of the principal attractions is an artificial lake and rustic bridge. In its early history it was difficult to maintain a supply of water in this lake because of its proximity to "English Cave". The lake was drained and all crevasses which had occasioned leakage were filled with concrete.
In recent years, Benton Park has been completely remodeled and landscaped with the City's neighborhood rehabilitation funds derived from the sale of City property, as part of the Cherokee Pilot Rehabilitation Area." ~ St. Louis Parks Department