Monday, November 17, 2008

Worlds Oldest Suspension Bridge


This was My World this morning.
It's Here!!
Ok, on to the prepared My World post.
Today we are in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia in the city of Wheeling. This city has the distinction of being home to the oldest suspension bridge still in operation in the world. Its original span being completed on October 20, 1849 and it was the first bridge to span the Ohio River. It was originally designed and built by Charles Ellet. You really must click this picture to see the detail. I really needed to be on a boat in the middle of the river to view its entire length.
This shows you one of the towers and the cables used for support. The green arch you see is a newer bridge that now takes most of the traffic. The bridge has the general appearance of the original bridge constructed in 1849. The massive towers and anchorage housings are all the original stone masonry. The main cables of the bridge are either original or additions which date from the 1860 reconstruction of the bridge after its collapse in a wind storm in 1854.
This is driving up to the first tower. Notice the stoplight. The light is timed in order to regulate the number to cars on the span at any one time. There is a sign asking you to keep 50 foot intervals between cars.
This is the middle section of the span. The sidewalk is close to the traffic; but you can walk across if you like.
Finally, the tower at the other end.

In 1975 the Wheeling Suspension Bridge received the highest honor that can be bestowed on a non-federal site or structure when it became the first bridge to be designated a Nation Historic Landmark. In 1980 the bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places of the United States. There is a sign near the bridge that says this is the most significant remaining pre-Civil War bridge in the United States.

Want to see more fascinating places? Click the badge at the top of my post and sit back and enjoy a virtual tour around the world.

45 comments:

EG CameraGirl said...

What a beautiful bridge! The world's oldest? Wow! I hope the main cables are in very good shape. ;-)

Anonymous said...

I like the very first shot of the bridge! Nice photos!~

Anonymous said...

Historical and beautiful Bridge.
Love first shot. Great your World.

Louise said...

It is beautiful. I think it might make me a bit nervous if they have to be so careful what is going over, but I would love to see it and take pictures. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

I am glad the bridge has stood the test of time and hope that it continues to live on.

Love your little snow flurries.

maryt/theteach said...

I really that Carletta! Looks a little like the Brooklyn Bridge! :)

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Carletta: A neat structure in your world. It has stayed the test of time.

Sylvia K said...

What a magnificent bridge! Extraordinary! Really beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing!

juliana said...

wow, what a fascinating bridge!

and... snow? brrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!
(sub-freezing temperatures forecast here, too, so... no more flowers, it seems)

marcia@joyismygoal said...

As everyone has said that bridge is special

 gmirage said...

Its a magnificent creation of mine to bring together two sides of the river...not to mention, very tried and tested too! wow!

Maria said...

What a great bridge! Beaturiful images, too! Thhanks for sharing!

Pappy said...

Some day I'm going to visit your world. I love old bridges, but they are disappearing fast. Not safe enough for us these days. Thanks for taking time to photograph this beautiful old bridge. Pappy

Anonymous said...

Quite amazing. I salute this fine old bridge and the people who care for it and care about it.

judi/Gmj said...

Awesome bridge, and history to go with the wonderful shot.

Jane Hards Photography said...

I am fascinated by bridges and this one is jam packed with history. Great stuff and fabulous images.

Leora said...

Truly a beauty of a bridge. Reminds me a bit of the Brooklyn Bridge with its beautiful architectural elements.

Guy D said...

Great pics, I would love to visit WV one day.

Thanks for sharing!

Cheers!
Regina In Pictures

Shelly said...

Love the stonework, so pretty...and I really like the song you chose to go with the post.

me ann my camera said...

Fascinating photos and lovely text.

Jeanne said...

I love those towers and cables. Do people really follow the notice to keep the distance? Great shots.

Arija said...

Teriffic historical post with great pics. Isn't it great to have something like that in your neighbourhood?

Dr.John said...

Your lucky you can drive over history. Great pictures. Nice tour of the bridge.

Anonymous said...

You are an excellent Tour Guide. Your Bridge is now touring the world through the Medium of your Blog.

George Townboy said...

Another fantastic post!! Great pictures, awesome history ... you are the premiere Photo Journalist!

Rural Writer said...

Loved the picture of snow flurries & gazebo in the background.

Know the bridge - I lived in Wheeling for a year way back when. Enjoyable post.

Raven said...

Gorgeous bridge... and wonderful tour/travel log of the trip. Thanks as always.

JunieRose2005 said...

Very beautiful and interesting post!


Junie

Carver said...

My bird baths were frozen this morning but no snow. I'll enjoy yours vicariously. The suspension bridge is fabulous. I love all the detailed shots you showed us here.

Leslie: said...

WOW! Thanks for the tour of the bridge. It looks beautiful and has a fascinating history. My world is about my river today. :D

mannanan said...

What an amazing feat of engineering and what great photogtraphs and narrative. Thanks for posting.

Anonymous said...

I remember that bridge from my one trip to Wheeling. Interesting that of everything I noticed about it, the nearness of the sidewalk to traffic is what I remember most clearly (and I was in a car!)

Mary said...

What a great bridge and interesting piece of our nation's history! Wow...that is a really old bridge!

Anonymous said...

C,
Absolutely exquisite architecture on that oldest suspension bridge. Thank you for opening my eyes with these photos and such an informative post.

Anonymous said...

Snow. [Shudder] You can keep it.

This bridge is fascinating. I think I would like to walk across it. I am not certain I would like to drive across it!

Sandra said...

I really love the picture of this bridge - lovely tour through your world. Thank you for your visit and greetings from Croatia.

MaR said...

Can't believe you got snow!!
What an interesting bridge and great shots.
Happy Tuesday!!

Anonymous said...

What a great old bridge. I can't think of the last time I've been across one. Great shots! :-)

??? said...

I love suspension briges, they always look so gracefull. Thanks for posting about it, I had never heard of that particular bridge before.

The Good Life in Virginia said...

i think it is time for me to head up to West Virginia and take in all the sites...love the bridge shots...

Shoshana said...

That's beautiful! I love suspension bridge. They're building one in our city. I don't think we need it, and it's just extra taxes, but it's going to be beautiful for sure.

Rose said...

Oh wow! I would love to see this in person...it looks like something I could look and look at and still feel like I was missing something. Just something about it really appeals to me.

Janice Thomson said...

Fantastic photos and wonderful info on the history of this bridge. Love these posts Carletta, where one can learn more intimate details of southerly neighbor.

♥ Denise BC ♥ said...

Hello, Carletta

I thank you for sharing your world. Grateful for the nice visit.
Hugs, Denise

Anonymous said...

Both my parents grew up within 1/2 mile of this bridge and have many memories.