[Queensboro Bridge] Autograph Letter Signed from Thomas Rainey (Father of the Queensboro Bridge) to His Sister, Richmond, Virginia 1852

[Queensboro Bridge] Autograph Letter Signed from Thomas Rainey (Father of the Queensboro Bridge) to His Sister, Richmond, Virginia 1852.

Blue bifolium 4-page letter dated April 8, 1852 with Richmond, Virginia dateline. Legible writing. Light foxing. Minor separation beginning at folds. No envelope. Very Good condition.

This letter was written by Thomas Rainey (1824-1910) to his sister Jennie S. Rainey. Much has been written about Dr. Thomas Rainey, who is often called the "Father of the Queensboro Bridge" for his many years of boosterism and funding for a bridge connecting Queens to greater New York City. Thomas Rainey was born in Yanceyville, Caswell County, North Carolina - one of many children born to James Glenn Rainey (1805-1876) and Sophia Hendrick (1807-1870). At the age of 18, Rainey left home wandering west ending up in St. Louis where he studied phonography (spelling based on pronunciation), mathematics and medicine. Rainey taught school, wrote a book titled "Rainey's Improved Abacus", became involved in Republican Party politics, and studied steam navigation in Europe. At one time he owned a fleet of sixteen steam ferry boats in Brazil where he made his fortune.

From the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation: "Thomas Rainey spent 25 years of his life and most of his fortune advancing the construction of a bridge across the East River between Manhattan and Long Island City. Rainey had been one of the earliest and staunchest supporters of the project, and the burden of organizing and financing the company fell on him, first as treasurer in 1874, then as president in 1877. Dr. Rainey lobbied around the country to get financial backing and a bridge franchise. However, the War Department, concerned that a bridge could interfere with the defense of New York and access to the Brooklyn Navy Yard, withheld approval. Most interest in the region was for another bridge between Brooklyn and Manhattan. The sparse population in Queens at the time raised further concerns of need and profitability, and the project had once again lost steam by 1892." "After the consolidation of New York City in 1898, the project gained new momentum and the bridge was finally built at Queens Plaza, a few blocks south of the proposed location. On opening day in 1909, Dr. Rainey realized his dream as he crossed the new bridge with Governor Charles Evans Hughes. The Queensboro Bridge fulfilled its promise by tying the Borough of Queens into Greater New York and Rainey received a gold medal inscribed "The Father of the Bridge." Rainey Park now exists on land Thomas Rainey hoped his bridge would utilize.

Prior to Rainey's involvement in building the Queensboro Bridge, he traveled extensively and befriended many well-known politicians and scientists. This letter posted in Richmond, Virginia in 1852 paints a vivid description of Richmond's buildings, State House, Medical College, and churches. He also describes the James River, "this is one of the best water powers in the states, being inexhaustibly while the entire volume of the river is available." And then, in what may foreshadow his interest in bridges he writes, "two bridges, one for the Petersburg or South Side road, the other for the Danville road, cross the river at this point. Each is nearly one mile long. That of the Petersburg road cost about 70,000 dollars & is 80 feet high."

Full transcription included plus additional research from previous dealer.