No, the 1875 bridge was replaced by the current one in 1900.
This bridge can not be the orignal for two reasons,
1. The Chouteau bridge in Kansas City, Missouri was built in 1887, according to the Kansas City Star in 2001 (at the time of its replacment) it was the oldest bridge spanning the Missouri River.
Had the orignal 1875 bridge been here, the Chouteau bridge would be the second oldest.
2. A 1875 bridge probably would not have spans like this, but more of a round design.
I hope this can answer your question
Was the entire bridge replaced in 1900 such that none of the original spans remain today? The locals have told me differently, saying that one or more of the original spans is still in place.
The current Atchison Railroad Bridge is not the 1875 bridge, but the 1900 replacement done by George S Morison.
Is the current Atchison Railroad Bridge the same bridge as the original Atchison Railroad Bridge that opened in 1875? I can't seem to pin that down. If so, then I believe this bridge is the oldest existing bridge over the Missouri River in any state.
This bridge is still in use by the Union Pacific Railroad and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad on a daily basis.
Correction. The photo was taken in November 2002, not October, 2004
Photos 70 and 71 appear to be of the St. Joseph swing bridge further up river. Note the double decked I-229 bridge in the background and the permanent pier in the middle of the river, as the St. Joseph bridge is usually kept in the open position.