The First Hannibal Bridge was the first permanent rail crossing of the Missouri River opening on July 3, 1869. It helped establish the City of Kansas as a major city and rail center. In its early days, it was called the Kansas City Bridge. It increased area train traffic, which contributed to the building of Union Depot, the predecessor to the Kansas City Union Station. It was severely damaged by a tornado and replaced in virtually the same location by the Second Hannibal Bridge.