Report of the Secretary of War, 1888, Vol. 4 of 4: Being Part of the Message and Documents Communicated to the Two Houses of Congress at the Beginning of the Second Session of the Fiftieth Congress; P

Detailed historic survey of U.S. navigable waters bridges

A comprehensive government report from 1888 examining how bridges, causeways, and other structures affect river and harbor navigation, with practical recommendations for safer, more usable channels.

This volume presents examinations and surveys of bridges and waterways across many states, from the Atlantic seaboard to the Great Lakes and beyond. It collects engineering findings, proposed remedies, and tracings that guided improvements to keep ships and boats moving freely.

• Insights into the methods used by Army engineers to study navigation obstruction and propose fixes.
• Specific cases of bridges and crossings, including openings, draw spans, and protective guard measures.
• Structured recommendations aimed at enlarging navigable openings and improving channel safety.
• Historical perspective on 19th-century infrastructure planning and its impact on commerce and defense.

Ideal for readers of historical engineering, public works, and maritime infrastructure research who want a clear view of how navigation was protected and improved in the late 1800s.