Pontoon bridge opened for steamers

[ca. 1861–1865]

From "War Memories" catalog: The pontoon bridges were readily opened for the passage of steamers. A few of the pontoon boats were slipped from their moorings and the floor timbers loosened, then the current of the river would sweep the few boats thus loosened around out of the way, and so made a draw-bridge. When the steamer passed through, the boats were quickly drawn back into place and fastened.