Historic Diestlehorst Bridge

Diestlehorst Bridge in the 1920's

Lately I've been researching the history of my hometown, Redding, Ca. I lived there for the first 19 years of my life. My heritage there goes all the way back to my great great Grandpa who was born in England but came to Redding at the age of 10 in the 1880's.

Anyway, one of my favorite historic sites there is Diestlehorst Bridge. Built in 1915, it was the first auto bridge over the Sacramento River in Northern California. It is rumored that my great Grandpa helped build it. He was an engineer so it is entirely possible.

The bridge was the center of summertime activities during the first half of the 20th century. A grandstand and swimming hole were built nearby and were the site of many swim contests, boat racing competitions and beauty pageants.

Today Diestlehorst Bridge is closed to automobiles but is enjoyed by pedestrians and bicyclists.

Diestlehorst Bridge Today