171 years ago today, on Nov. 18, 1842, Emperor Nicholas I ordered the first permanent bridge to be built across the river Neva in St. Petersburg. The bridge was opened in 1850, connecting the main part of the city with Vasilevsky Island. It was named after the emperor in 1855, but it has now reverted back to its original name — Blagoveshchensky Bridge.
Today in History, Nov. 18
