Mohawk Wooden Suspension Bridge
This is an image set within the Bridgemeister collection.
| Bridge: | Mohawk Wooden Suspension Bridge |
| Location: | Schenectady, New York, USA - Mohawk River |
| Image Set Contributor: | David Denenberg |
| Related Image Lists: | All from David Denenberg All in New York All in USA All Vehicular Suspension Bridges |
| Credit: | Magazine article, collection of David Denenberg. |
This article shows the "Wooden Suspension Bridge" completed in 1808 by Theodore Burr and demolished in 1871 or 1873. As noted in the caption, the image shows the bridge "as it appeared after being enclosed with sheds in 1833."
In a paper titled Bridging the Mohawk River by John J. Gara and John I. Garver of Union College, the bridge is described: "The bridge was built with a continuous aspen wood cable that was propped up on stone piers in three places. The deck began to sag between the piers, so four more piers were constructed to fix this problem. This support system resulted in a wavy surface not unlike a modern roller coaster."
Jakkula cites the May 25, 1933 issue of Engineering News-Record as having a complete description of the bridge. Jakkula writes: "A pioneer attempt to construct a timber bridge on the suspension principle. The massive wooden cables were built up of 2 in. planks of Norway pine, overlapping so as to make a continuous cable support, and were each 3 ft. wide by 4 ft. deep. The bridge was 900 ft. long and divided into 4 spans, supported on masonry piers. In 1833 the bridge was inclosed by a succession of barn-like structures, which converted it into a long, dark tunnel. In 1872 it was condemned and... In 1873 it was demolished and replaced by an iron-truss bridge supported on the original piers."
