"After reading Patrick McBriarty's impressive and thoroughly researched Chicago River Bridges, no one could ever again overlook or take for granted Chicago's bridges. Thanks to this comprehensive book--filled with a treasure trove of stunning photographs, drawings, and maps--we now know that designing, funding, building, operating, maintaining, moving, and rebuilding Chicago's bridges was vital to the development of the Windy City. To 'stacker of wheat' and 'player with railroads,' we must now add 'designer and builder of bridges.'"--Greg Borzo, author of The Chicago "L" and Chicago Cable Cars

"This meticulously researched compendium of the city's bridges over the Chicago River. . . . will please both scholars and amateur enthusiasts. Recommended."--Choice



"During the same years that architects invented the metal-framed skeleton skyscraper, engineers were working on a related problem: the design of the modern iron drawbridge. Patrick T. McBriarty's Chicago River Bridges gives these innovators their due recognition. Bridge enthusiasts and those who love the city will be fascinated by his careful attention to their design and history."--Journal of Illinois History

This is my first book and it has been quite a journey over the past 7-8 years researching, writing, editing, and curating the photography and images.  The impetus for this book was sparked a dozen years or more ago on a blustery winter Sunday photographing the two bridges at Kinzie Street along the North Branch of the Chicago River.  Through the lens I really first "saw" the bridges and their gritty, industrial beauty seized my imagination.  Each bridge though similar, on closer inspection was clearly unique, and Chicago's many drawbridges begged so many questions.  I have been fortunate to be able to spend great chunks of time on this project in an effort to raise awareness for the city's fantastic bridges.  A literal working drawbridge museum, Chicago hosts the finest collection of different drawbridge designs of any city on earth. 

A resident of the city for over 20 years, I never really thought much of the bridges, but since starting the project I can no longer look at a bridge the same way.  The concept, practicality, and beauty of a bridge, and magic of the moveable bridges, to me, is now irresistible.  Surely the engineer-want-to-be within me and the steel dust of Youngstown, Ohio were important factors, but there were easily a dozen influences that conspired and compelled me to research and write this book.  Looking back it seems almost destiny, as this project has been a metaphorical bridge for my crossing of a void into a new life, and hopefully into a new career.  Thankfully the University of Illinois Press also believed in the concept and created this magnificent book with its beautiful layout, hardback cover, and glittery red spine containing nearly 200 full-color images in this coffee-table book format. 

It is hoped that most everyone will enjoy this book and relate to the beauty and my fascination for bridges, and in turn utilize this as a valuable reference and guide to the Chicago River's bridges for years to come.