What was one of Eads' significant contributions to engineering?

Eads' significant contributions to engineering are particularly highlighted through his innovations in bridge design. He is best known for the Eads Bridge, which was completed in 1874 and spans the Mississippi River between St. Louis, Missouri, and East St. Louis, Illinois. This bridge was notable for its use of steel, which was a relatively new material at the time, and it demonstrated that steel could support a large structure. Eads was also a pioneer in employing the arch design, which allowed for longer spans without the need for numerous supports in the water, thereby improving the efficiency and aesthetics of bridge construction. His work fundamentally changed the way engineers approached bridge design, making it possible to build larger and more durable bridges that could accommodate the growing demands of transportation during the industrial age.