| The Greater New Orleans Mississippi River Bridge -- opened in 1958 -- and its east approach dominate this view of the New Orleans skyline. A second span has been completed right on the other side of this bridge, but its approach hasn't been built yet. Across the bottom of the photo is the Thalia Street Wharf, once served by the Illinois Central and used by the United Fruit Co. to transfer billions of bananas from ships into refrigerator cars. In the foreground, on the left side of the bridge approach, is the site of the former Missouri Pacific Race Street Yard. This land had been used as the parking lot for the Louisiana World Exposition which was held here the previous year.On the other side of the new bridge was the IC's Levee Yard, used to hold reefers before and after they were loaded with bananas. The large, low building beyond the new bridge was built as an exhibition hall for the fair and is now a part of the ERNEST MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER. That building was constructed on the site of the Louisville & Nashville's Julia Street Yard. New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is just to the left of the LOUISIANA SUPERDOME, and right on the other side of that tall building. |