The Rainbow Arch bridge, spanning across the South Platte River in Morgan County, Colorado, was built between 1922 and 1923. The design was patented by James Marsh, an engineer from Iowa, and was built by Denver contractor Charles Sheeley.
Built one mile north of the town of Fort Morgan, the 1,080-foot concrete arched bridge has a frame made of steel. At the end of each arch was a gas-powered light. At the time of its completion, it was the longest archway bridge in the United States.
This landmark was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Additionally, in 1992 it was designated a Colorado Civil Engineering Landmark.
The bridge is currently recognized as the gateway to Fort Morgan and the entrance to the Pawnee Pioneer Trails Scenic and Historic Byway. It is used today as a pedestrian bridge.
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