The original bridge was constructed in 1884 to 1885 by the Louisville and Nashville Railroad at a cost of $2,000,000.

The single-tracked bridge was approximately 3,686 feet (1,123 m) long, and its longest span, at 525 feet (160 m), was reputed to be the longest trestle span in the world at that time.

The bridge ran from the northern edge of Main Street in Henderson to the low water mark on the Indiana side, resting on 15 stone piers.

[1] Prior to the opening of the bridge, railroad passengers and freight had to be transferred to a ferry for the river crossing.

[2] By 1930 the volume and weight of train traffic were taxing the capabilities of the original bridge.