Steel Pier via Pennsylvania Railroad Poster

The Delair Bridge, built by the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) in 1895–1896, was the first bridge of any sort between Philadelphia and New Jersey. The steel span connected PRR tracks in North Philadelphia to southern New Jersey. It consisted of three fixed Pennsylvania truss spans and a through-truss swing-span drawbridge totaling 1,943 feet (592 m). Approach trestles of 2,129 feet (649 m) on the Pennsylvania side and 324 feet (99 m) on the New Jersey side bring its total length to 4,396 feet (1,340 m) When when the bridge was opened the the Pennsy aggressively advertised it's direct all rail connection to Atlantic City Shore points. The world-famous Steel Pier in Atlantic City opened its doors to an anxiously waiting public on June 18, 1898, in time for the beginning of a fast-approaching new century. It was a phenomenal new venue for entertainment, with thrills and excitement of all kinds. On Day 1, in 1898, sharpshooter and cowgirl Annie Oakley was billed as the star entertainment attraction.