Crew of divers at Pier No. 4

Book TitleThe Kansas City Bridge

Artist Joseph P. Babbitt (American, born 1830)

Date1870

MediumAlbumen print

DimensionsImage and sheet: 6 13/16 × 8 15/16 inches (17.3 × 22.7 cm)
Mount: 8 7/8 × 11 7/16 inches (22.54 × 29.05 cm)

Credit LineGift of Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Object number2005.27.3489

Signednone

InscribedLabel attached to mount recto, bottom, in fancy black type: "CREW OF DIVERS, AT PIER NO. 4, / MARCH 2D [sic], 1869."

Markingsnone

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Terms

DescriptionImage of a group of men, including some in diving suits, standing closely together with tubes and ropes stretched across them.Gallery Label

Gallery Label

Construction of the Kansas City Bridge began in January 1867 and was finished in July 1869. To withstand the current of the Missouri River, seven piers were constructed beneath the bridge. This photograph documents the four divers sent to build the underwater foundations for the piers—a very hazardous job. This project was supervised by chief engineer Octave Chanute.

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