International Bridge Plan of Location and of Lines connecting it with the Grand Trunk and New York Central Railways, July 1870

In 1857, the Grand Trunk Railway proposed the construction of a railway bridge over the Upper Niagara River in order to accommodate increased trade and commerce. The New York State Legislature and Dominion Parliament created a draft agreement for the construction of an international bridge. However, it was not until 1870 that sufficient funds to build the bridge were available. A contract was signed between the International Bridge Company and the engineering firm of Gzowski-MacPherson. Chief engineers involved with the project included Edmund P. Hannaford, Joseph Hobson, and George Hughs. The bridge opened on November 3, 1873.A plan of the International Bridge over the Niagara River showing the location and lines connecting it with the Grand Trunk and New York Central Railways. The plan is signed by the Chief Engineer of the International Bridge Company, E.P. Hannaford, and dated July 11, 1870. The City of Buffalo, Village of Fort Erie, and Welland are shown