This is a single suspension bridge from the Bridgemeister historical inventory of suspension bridges.

1856: Bridge of Sighs

Carthage and Rochester, New York, USA - Genesee River
Bridgemeister ID:54 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1856
Name:Bridge of Sighs
Location:Carthage and Rochester, New York, USA
Crossing:Genesee River
Principals:Josiah Bissell, Jr.
Use:Vehicular
Status:Collapsed, 1857
Main Cables:Wire (iron)

Notes:

  • From May 2, 1857 edition of Scientific American: "Fall of a Suspension Bridge. The iron suspension bridge which spans the Genesee River at Rochester, fell on the 21st ult. from the weight of snow on it. The bridge was only finished last summer, and cost over $28,000. It was constructed between iron towers standing on the banks. They were built of cast iron cylinders, bolted together, and standing on high banks, 235 feet above the water. The road-way was 200 feet above the water, and proceeded in almost a straight line from the top of the high bank on one side, to the other. The cables were 780 feet long, and the entire length of the bridge was over 700 feet. It was calculated to sustain a weight of 2.000 tuns. It spanned the Genesee river below the Falls. The metal, it is stated, appears to be defective. The load that was on it when it fell did not amount to 100 tuns."

Do you have any information or photos about this bridge that you would like to share? Please email david.denenberg@bridgemeister.com.


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