Most Montanans know that Fort Benton is one of our oldest cities -- in fact, it's called the Birthplace of Montana. And if you've been, you may have noticed the historic old bridge that never seems to have any cars on it. The Fort Benton Bridge is called the Bridge to Nowhere, and it's almost as old as the city itself.
Fort Benton is located in Chouteau County, where it sits on the banks of the Missouri River.
It was established in 1846, decades before Montana became a state.
The Fort Benton Bridge is an essential landmark in town.
The bridge spans the river, and it's impossible to imagine the city without it.
The bridge was built in 1888 by the Benton Bridge Co.
Originally, it was used as a toll bridge to connect Judith River Basin trade with the Great Northern Railroad and Missouri River shipping.
No vehicles have been allowed on the bridge since 1963.
Pedestrians are still welcome, and the locals agree that the views from the bridge are spectacular.
It's called the "bridge to nowhere" because that's exactly what it is.
The bridge spans the river, then it ends abruptly. If you cross on foot, you'll simply be on the other side of the Missouri with no road or path before you.
The bridge has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1980.
It's an essential part of Fort Benton, a city dedicated to preserving local history.
Look around Montana and you'll find lots of amazing old bridges, each one with its own story.
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