Until 1903 there was no bridge across the Yellowstone in the vicinity of the Falls and the right bank of the Grand Canyon was practically inaccessible to the public.

As some of the finest views were to be had from that side (Artist Point, for example, which Moran chose for his painting), it was considered desirable to provide means of getting across.

Accordingly it was decided to build something worthy of the situation and a single arch of slender profile was selected as the type of structure.

The exact form was a matter of careful study in order to get the lines which would appeal to the eye as meeting the artistic requirements.

It was necessary to build a temporary pier in the center of the stream in the swiftest part of the rapids with the Upper Falls of the Yellowstone only a little way below.

The concrete work, contrary to usual practice at that time with such large masses, was placed in one continuous operation.