Inventory Search Results

22 suspension bridges were found for search criteria: CAB. All 22 bridges from the search results appear below. Click the Bridgemeister ID number to isolate the bridge on its own page. If you don't see what you were looking for, try an image search with the same criteria: CAB. This will find the bridge if it is pictured on the site, but is not a catenary suspension bridge.

Related:

1801: Jacob's Creek

Iron Bridge, Mount Pleasant vicinity, Pennsylvania, USA - Jacob's Creek
Bridgemeister ID:3 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1801
Name:Jacob's Creek
Also Known As:Iron Bridge, Chain Bridge
Location:Iron Bridge, Mount Pleasant vicinity, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Jacob's Creek
Coordinates:40.112598 N 79.553186 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Judge James Finley
References:AAJ, ASB, BBR, BOB, BPL, CAB, DSE20000116, HBE, LAB, PTS2
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed, 1833
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 21.3 meters (70 feet)
Deck width:12.5 feet

Notes:

  • In an email dated January 16, 2000, Don Sayenga provided information about the location of this bridge. Generally attributed to Uniontown (the seat of Fayette County, PA), Mr. Sayenga offers some clues about the bridge's true location. "[James Finley] stated that he built it near the home of his friend Meason which implies a connection for the iron as Meason was making iron. Meason's home has survived by the way, a beautiful place. Finley stated it was a combination contract with the cost split between two counties, and he stated it was built over Jacob's Creek which is the county boundary. He also makes it clear it was on the road to Greensburg. The only place the old road crossed Jacob's Creek is just south of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. On the geodetic survey maps this spot is marked "Iron Bridge" but there is no town there. The last time I was there I saw a sign that said 'Iron Bridge' on an automobile scrap yard. I found absolutely no trace of the bridge, but it was not very big, so there was no need for a huge abutment."
  • First suspension bridge with a rigid level deck, often considered the world's first modern suspension bridge.
  • Coordinates are for the likely location of the bridge, where present-day (2020) Pennsylvania route 3105 crosses Jacob's Creek.

External Links:


1807: Chain

Georgetown, District of Columbia and Virginia, USA - Potomac River
Bridgemeister ID:4 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1807
Name:Chain
Location:Georgetown, District of Columbia and Virginia, USA
Crossing:Potomac River
Coordinates:38.92959 N 77.11627 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:John Templeman
References:AAJ, BBR, BCW, CAB, DSE20000118, HBE, PTS2
Use:Vehicular
Status:Destroyed, 1812
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 39.2 meters (128.5 feet)

Notes:

  • BCW gives completion date of 1810 and says bridge was destroyed by flood two years later.
  • Coordinates given are for the current crossing (VA SR123, still known locally as "Chain Bridge Road") which is on (or very close) to the alignment of Chain Bridge. Chain Bridge was the third bridge at this site. The current structure is the eighth and was completed in 1940.

External Links:


1807: Wills Creek

Cumberland, Maryland, USA - Wills Creek
Bridgemeister ID:5 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1807
Name:Wills Creek
Location:Cumberland, Maryland, USA
Crossing:Wills Creek
Principals:John Templeman
References:AAJ, BCW, CAB, DSE20000203, HBE
Status:Destroyed, 1810
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Main Span:1 x 42.4 meters (139 feet)

Notes:


1809: (suspension bridge)

Brownsville vicinity, Pennsylvania, USA
Bridgemeister ID:8 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1809
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Brownsville vicinity, Pennsylvania, USA
References:AAJ, CAB, DSE20000203, HBE
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

1809: (suspension bridge)

Brownsville, Pennsylvania, USA - Dunlap's Creek
Bridgemeister ID:7 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1809
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Brownsville, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Dunlap's Creek
Principals:John Templeman
References:AAJ, BCW, CAB, DSE20000118, DSE20000203, HBE
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

External Links:

  • Dunlap's Creek Bridge (link reported not working). "The first recorded bridge across Dunlap's Creek was a wooden structure constructed prior to 1774. It was repaired in 1801, but was destroyed during a spring storm in 1808. A chain-link suspension bridge was built on the site in 1809; it collapsed under the weight of snow and a heavily laden wagon in 1820. A third bridge, another wooden structure, built in 1821 also failed. The present bridge is thus the fourth bridge at the site."
  • Structurae - Structure ID 20008055

1809: Schuylkill Falls

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA - Schuylkill River
Bridgemeister ID:9 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1809
Name:Schuylkill Falls
Location:Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Schuylkill River
Principals:John Templeman
References:AAJ, BBR, BPL, CAB, DSE20000118, HBE, PTS2
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:2
Main Spans:2 x 46.6 meters (153 feet)
Deck width:18 feet

Notes:

  • Failed 1811, 1816. HBE notes the 1811 was due to weight of cattle. The 1816 failure was due to weight of ice and snow.

External Links:


1810: (suspension bridge)

Frankfort, Kentucky, USA - Kentucky River
Bridgemeister ID:10 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1810
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Frankfort, Kentucky, USA
Crossing:Kentucky River
References:AAJ, CAB
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:2
Main Spans:2 x 50.9 meters (167 feet)

External Links:


1810: (suspension bridge)

Paulings Ford, Pennsylvania, USA - Schuylkill River
Bridgemeister ID:11 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1810
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Paulings Ford, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Schuylkill River
References:CAB
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

External Links:


1810: (suspension bridge)

Reading, Pennsylvania, USA - Schuykill River
Bridgemeister ID:12 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1810
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Schuykill River
Principals:Ulrich Kissinger
References:CAB
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

External Links:


1810: (suspension bridge)

Wilmington, Delaware, USA - Brandywine Creek
Bridgemeister ID:6 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1810
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Crossing:Brandywine Creek
References:AAJ, BCW, CAB, DSE20000203, HBE
Status:Destroyed, 1822
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 44.2 meters (145 feet)
Deck width:30 feet

Notes:

  • Destroyed by flood, 1822.

External Links:


1810: (suspension bridge)

Wrightstown, Pennsylvania, USA - Neshaminy River
Bridgemeister ID:13 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1810
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Wrightstown, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Neshaminy River
Principals:John Parker
References:AAJ, CAB, DSE20000403
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Main Spans:2 x 30.5 meters (100 feet)

External Links:


1810: Chain

Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA - Merrimack River
Bridgemeister ID:14 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1810
Name:Chain
Also Known As:Essex-Merrimack
Location:Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA
Crossing:Merrimack River
At or Near Feature:Deer Island
Coordinates:42.833947 N 70.906811 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:John Templeman
References:AAJ, BBR, CAB, GBD, HBE, POPE, PTS2, RDH
Use:Vehicular (two-lane, light vehicles only)
Status:Replaced, 1909
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 74.1 meters (243 feet)
Deck width:30 feet (2 roadways of 15 feet)

Notes:

  • John Templeman built several bridges (like this one) using James Finley's design.
  • Repaired in 1827 after 5 of 10 chains snapped under weight of a team of oxen.
  • The complete description from Thomas Pope's 1811 Treatise (POPE):
    "The chain Bridge lately thrown over the Merrimack, three miles above Newburyport, in the state of Massachusetts, is now in constant use. This Bridge consists of a single arc, two hundred and forty-four feet span. The abutments are of stone, forty-seven feet long, and thirty-seven high; the uprights, or framed work, which stand on the abutments, are thirty-five feet high, over which are suspended ten distinct chains, the ends of which on both sides of the river are buried deep in pits and secured by large stones: each chain is five hundred and sixteen feet long; and, where they pass over the uprights, they are treble, and made in short links, which is said to be more secure than saddles made of plates of iron. The four middle joists rest on the chains; all the rest are suspended to the main chains to equalize the floor. This Bridge has two passage-ways of fifteen feet in width each, and the floor is so solid as to admit of horses, carriages, etc. to travel at any speed, with very little perceptible motion of the floors. The railing is stout and strong, which adds much firmness to the floor. There are three chains in each range on each side, and four in the middle range: they are calculated to support nearly five hundred tons. From the surface of the water to the middle of the floor is forty feet; and from the top of the abutments to the top of the uprights is thirty-five feet high, making seventy-two feet. The magnitude and power of the abutments, the width and length of the floors, the elevation of the work, the evident powers of the chains, etc. all conspire to make it a wonderful work. Every expense attending it did not amount to twenty-five thousand dollars. The abutment being of stone, the uprights covered, and the chains painted to prevent rust, leaves nothing but the flooring to decay. This Bridge was constructed by John Templeman, Esq. of the district of Columbia, whose talents for the productions of such work, and the various improvements suggested and used by him, have been highly beneficial, and do him great credit."
  • Gregory W. Buff sent a transcription of an article describing the 1827 failure. The article was in the Saturday, February 24, 1827 issue (Volume IV, Number 31) of the Canadian Spectator (Montreal, Quebec) newspaper:
    "Newburyport, Feb 9. Disastrious [sic] Accident. - On Tuesday morning last, the Essex Merrimack Bridge gave way in the centre, from the parting of the chains that support it. On the Bridge, at the moment, was a loaded team, drawn by six oxen and two horses, driven by two men, Messrs. Garlton [sic] and Jackman, all of whom were precipitated, forty feet, into the river beneath. The teamsters preserved themselves by means of swimming, and the support of fragments of the bridge; the team were all of them except one of the horses, swept beneath the ice a few rods below, and drowned. Five of the ten chains which supported the Bridge, were snapped in different places, and now remain upholding the broken and shattered timber altogether as sad a wreck as we ever witnessed. At the moment of the crash, the light evolved from the friction of the chains resembled the the vivid streaming of a meteor. Various excuses are assigned for the accident, and none, with more probability, than the united effect of the incumbent pressure of the immense body of snow lying upon the bridge, and the frost which had contracted the particles of iron. These produced a tenseness in the chains, which was incapable of resisting the additional pressure of the loaded team, and the whole gave way. The estimated expense of repairing the breach is about 4000 dollars; and the Directors, as we understand, plan to set about it immediately. It will be built up as before. To those who have been losers by this accident the corporation intend to make generous inumeration. The traveling will be uninterrupted, as the solidity of the ice above the bridge forms a safe passage way - and for the conveyance of carriages and heavy baggage the proprietors have promptly provided suitable boats. If any aversion to chain bridges has been produced by this accident, we should be sorry, for ourselves we feel yet unshaken faith in their superior security. The misfortune in this case was no doubt owing to the causes above stated, and not to any defect in the construction of the bridge. Probably hundreds of individuals, including each sex and all ages, have visited the ruins of the bridge. They present a sad and melancholy appearance - crushed and broken timbers suspended by the massy chains, which hang lazily from the pyramidical abutments, while the beholder instinctly shrinks back in terror at the reflection of the situation of the two human beings who were precipitated into the abyss beneath. The preservation of these two men is almost miraculous. Although hurled down 40 feet amid crashing and falling timber, entangled with their cattle, they fell without receiving the least injury, and attained the shore, after being for nearly half an hour, immerse in water chilled to the freezing point. Mr. Jackman is far advanced in years - and suffered somewhat from the exposure to the cold. Mr. Carlton [sic], escaped unhurt. The Chain Bridge has been built for about fifteen years, the span is 220 feet. We believe this was the second or third Chain Bridge built in the United States; and this is probably the first that has met with a similar accident. We understand the proprieters of the Rooks Bridge intend to rebuild theirs as a Chain Bridge."
  • Replaced by 1909 Chain - Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA. The 1909 structure was almost entirely new (except for portions of the piers and abutments).

External Links:

Stereoview, collection of David Denenberg Glass slide, collection of David Denenberg Postcard, collection of David Denenberg

1811: (suspension bridge)

Juniata Crossing, Pennsylvania, USA - Juniata River
Bridgemeister ID:15 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1811
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Juniata Crossing, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Juniata River
References:CAB, DSE20000403
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

External Links:


1811: (suspension bridge)

Kentucky, USA
Bridgemeister ID:16 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1811
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Kentucky, USA
References:CAB
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

1811: (suspension bridge)

Kentucky, USA
Bridgemeister ID:17 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1811
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Kentucky, USA
References:CAB
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

1811: Third Street

Easton, Pennsylvania, USA - Lehigh River
Bridgemeister ID:18 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1811
Name:Third Street
Location:Easton, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Lehigh River
Principals:Jacob Blumer (?)
References:CAB, DSE20000203
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

External Links:


1814: Hamilton Street

Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA - Lehigh River
Bridgemeister ID:19 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1814
Name:Hamilton Street
Location:Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Lehigh River
Principals:Jacob Blumer
References:AAJ, CAB, DSE20000203, PTS2
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:4
Main Spans:2
Side Spans:2

External Links:


1820: Wills Creek

Cumberland, Maryland, USA - Wills Creek
Bridgemeister ID:1149 (added 2004-01-17)
Year Completed:1820
Name:Wills Creek
Location:Cumberland, Maryland, USA
Crossing:Wills Creek
Principals:Valentine Shockey
References:CAB
Status:Destroyed, 1838
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Main Span:1 x 46.2 meters (151.5 feet)

Notes:


1823: (suspension bridge)

Réunion, France - Sainte-Suzanne River
Bridgemeister ID:1541 (added 2004-11-03)
Year Completed:1823
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Réunion, France
Crossing:Sainte-Suzanne River
Principals:Marc Brunel
References:AAJ, ASB, CAB
Use:Vehicular (two-lane)
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:2
Main Spans:2 x 40.2 meters (131.75 feet)

Notes:

Print, collection of David Denenberg

1823: (suspension bridge)

Réunion, France - Mat River
Bridgemeister ID:1542 (added 2004-11-03)
Year Completed:1823
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Réunion, France
Crossing:Mat River
Principals:Marc Brunel
References:AAJ, ASB, CAB, MOS
Use:Vehicular (two-lane)
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 40.2 meters (131.75 feet)

Notes:

  • Réunion was known as "Isle of Bourbon" at this time.
  • MOS: "These bridges were designed by Mr. Brunel, and executed in England, near Sheffield, where they were put together in January, 1823, before being sent out to the Isle de Bourbon."
  • Built as part of same project as 1823 (suspension bridge) - Réunion, France.

1824: Biery's

Biery's Port (Catasauqua), Pennsylvania, USA - Lehigh River
Bridgemeister ID:21 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1824
Name:Biery's
Location:Biery's Port (Catasauqua), Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Lehigh River
Principals:Jacob Blumer, George Deily (?)
References:CAB, DSE20000203
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

1824: Lehigh Gap

Lehigh Gap, Pennsylvania, USA - Lehigh River
Bridgemeister ID:22 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1824
Name:Lehigh Gap
Also Known As:Palmerton
Location:Lehigh Gap, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Lehigh River
Principals:Jacob Blumer
References:AAJ, CAB, DSE20000203, WHSB
Use:Vehicular
Status:Replaced, 1933
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:3

Notes:

  • Finley patent bridge.

External Links:

Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle



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