Allegheny Aqueduct (Pittsburgh) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Allegheny Aqueduct |
|
|---|---|
| Carries | Pennsylvania Canal |
| Crosses | Allegheny River |
| Locale | Pittsburgh |
| Other name(s) | Allegheny Aqueduct Bridge |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | suspension bridge |
| Material | wood, charcoal iron wire rope |
| Number of spans | 7 of 162 feet each |
| History | |
| Designer | John A. Roebling |
| Construction begin | 1844 |
| Construction end | 1845 |
| Closed | 1861 |
The Allegheny Aqueduct was a special bridge built in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the 1840s. It wasn't for cars or trains, but for boats! This amazing structure carried the Pennsylvania Canal over the Allegheny River. It was also the very first bridge to use strong wire cables, designed by a famous engineer named John A. Roebling.
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Building a Special Bridge
The Allegheny Aqueduct was built between 1844 and 1845. It was needed because the old wooden bridge that carried the canal was falling apart. This new aqueduct was a big step forward in bridge building.
What is an Aqueduct?
An aqueduct is like a water bridge. It's a structure that carries water from one place to another. In this case, the Allegheny Aqueduct carried the Pennsylvania Canal. The canal was a waterway for boats to transport goods and people across Pennsylvania.
Meet John A. Roebling
The person who designed the Allegheny Aqueduct was John A. Roebling. He was a brilliant engineer. This aqueduct was his very first bridge that used strong wire cables. He later became super famous for designing the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City. His work changed how bridges were built forever!
How the Aqueduct Worked
The Allegheny Aqueduct was a type of bridge called a suspension bridge. This means it was held up by strong cables. Roebling used special wire ropes made of charcoal iron. The aqueduct had seven sections, each about 162 feet long. It allowed canal boats to float right over the Allegheny River. Imagine boats sailing high above the water!
Why Was It Important?
The Pennsylvania Canal was a vital way to move goods like coal and iron. It helped Pittsburgh grow into a major industrial city. The Allegheny Aqueduct made sure the canal could cross the big Allegheny River. It was a key part of this important transportation system.
The End of the Aqueduct
The Allegheny Aqueduct served its purpose for several years. However, by 1861, the canal system was becoming less important. Trains were a faster and more efficient way to transport goods. Because of this, the aqueduct was closed in 1861. Its materials were later reused for other projects.
- Pennsylvania Canal Allegheny Aqueduct in the Structurae database
