Rainbow Viaduct
The Rainbow Viaduct (also known as the 21st Street Viaduct) is the vehicular overpass connecting downtown Birmingham with Southside along Richard Arrington, Jr. Boulevard, formerly 21st Street. The bridge carries three lanes of traffic in a one-way direction from south to north over the railroad reservation, Morris Avenue and 1st Avenue South. Of note is its northern end at 1st Avenue North that is flanked with the Commerce Building and Birmingham Magazine headquarters to the west and the Transportation Building to the east. Meter parking and pedestrian sidewalks are available along the entire length of the bridge on both the east and west sides.
Constructed in 1918 and formally dedicated on May 19, 1919, this was the first major connection between downtown and Southside completed within the city. The viaduct is dedicated to the decorated veterans of the 167th Infantry of the Rainbow Division who fought during World War I. At the apex of the bridge on the western flank, a small memorial topped with an eagle includes a dedication plaque with the following inscribed upon it:
Text of marker
THE RAINBOW VIADUCT
Dedicated to the brave men of the 167th Infantry who fought to protect our freedomOn May 19, 1919, soon after its completion, this 21st Street Viaduct was named the Rainbow Viaduct in tribute to Alabama’s famous 167th Infantry of the Rainbow Division. Renowned for bravery and honor, the 167th was the nation’s only regiment in World War I referred to by its home state – “The Alabama.” Made up of men from throughout Alabama, including a large number from Birmingham, this regiment had to its credit the following brave deeds, among countless others:
- Advanced furthest its German lines – to Sedan
- Took the first German prisoners captured by Americans
- Only Rainbow Regiment to achieve two Honor Medals
- Fought in trenches two days longer than any other American regiment
The only Southern regiment in the first army at occupation on Rhine, the 167th fought in the battles of Luneville, Baccarat, Esperance-Souain, Champagne-Marne, Red Cross Farm following Chateau-Thierry, Alsne-Marne, St. Mihiel, Essey-Paunes, Meuse-Argonne, Sedan.
References
- Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce (1976) Century Plus: A Bicentennial Portrait of Birmingham, Alabama 1976 Birmingham: Oxmoor Press, p. 19.