Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge (Lake City, Iowa)

The Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge in Lake City, Iowa, is a historic bridge spanning the North Raccoon River. It is a reinforced concrete arch bridge designed by James Barney Marsh, a prominent bridge engineer known for his patented rainbow arch design. This particular example was built in 1914 by the Iowa Bridge Company. The bridge is characterized by its distinctive curved arch, which provided both structural support and an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

The Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge was a popular design for short-span bridges in the early 20th century, offering a cost-effective and visually appealing alternative to traditional truss bridges. The design gained favor for its efficient use of materials and its ability to blend well with the surrounding landscape.

The Lake City bridge is significant for its association with Marsh's engineering work and the Iowa Bridge Company's construction practices. It represents a specific period in bridge building technology and reflects the trend towards using reinforced concrete for bridge construction. The bridge played an important role in facilitating transportation and commerce in the Lake City area. The bridge is also historically important as a contributing property to the architectural and engineering history of Calhoun County, Iowa.