Lyndale Bridge Reconstruction May Turn Up History

Minnesotans tend not to talk about long-lost historic ruins very much, probably because they're in such short supply: development has mostly buldozed them over or, in the case of the current Lyndale Avenue Bridge, encased them in concrete. 

But now, as work crews begin to dismantle the bridge this winter as part of a $9 million set of road improvements on Lyndale from 56th Street to Minnehaha creek, some of those ruins may be uncovered, according to an article in Finance and Commerce.

Historians and archaeologists will be looking for pieces of the original stone bridge across Minnehaha Creek, as well as ruins from an early mill.

As Southwest Minneapolis Patch , Minnehaha creek was once a key driver of the area's early economy. The sawmills at St Anthony Falls may have enjoyed gander vistas, but it was to the creek that farmers across the area came to mill their grain, and many mills dotted its banks.

As you pass by the bridge's reconstruction, keep your eyes peeled for old ruins—and post your pictures here!