Duvall Bridge (Laurel, Maryland) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Duvall Bridge |
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|---|---|
| Coordinates | 39°02′42″N 76°47′20″W / 39.045003°N 76.788812°W |
| Carries | Lago road, (former) Telegraph Road |
| Crosses | Patuxent River |
| Owner | United States Department of the Interior |
| Heritage status | Historic American Engineering Record, Maryland Historical Trust |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Pratt truss |
| Material | steel |
| History | |
| Constructed by | unknown |
| Construction end | 1907 |
| Closed | 1977 |
Duvall Bridge is an old, single-lane bridge that crosses the Patuxent River near Laurel, Maryland. It's a special part of history in the area. This bridge is known for its unique design and its long past, connecting different parts of the land for over a century.
Contents
What is the Duvall Bridge?
The Duvall Bridge is a historic structure. It is a single-lane bridge. It crosses the Patuxent River. This river is located near Laurel, Maryland. The bridge is an important landmark. It shows how bridges were built long ago.
A Bridge with a Long History
People have built bridges at this spot for a very long time. The first bridge was here in the mid-1700s. The bridge you see today was built around 1907. It replaced older bridges. This shows how important this crossing has always been.
From Mill Bridge to Modern Use
The first bridge helped a mill. This mill was on a large farm. The farm was called "Goodwood." It was later renamed "Gladswood." The Duvall family owned this land. They arrived in Maryland in 1650. The current steel bridge was built in 1907. It carried important telegraph lines. These lines connected Baltimore and Washington.
In 1936, a wildlife research center was created. It was called the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center. The bridge became part of this center in 1941. A special plaque was added in 1966. It was placed by the Duvall family society. The bridge was closed in 1977. This happened after a flood. But it was fixed up in 2012. Now, it helps connect different parts of the Patuxent Research Refuge.
Why is this Bridge Special?
The Duvall Bridge is a truss bridge. This is a common type of bridge. However, it is one of only two such bridges left. It is in Prince George's County, Maryland. The other one is Governor's Bridge. The Duvall Bridge has a special design. It has a cross-braced deck. This deck was made for wooden planks.
What is a Truss Bridge?
A truss bridge uses a framework. This framework is made of triangles. Triangles are very strong shapes. They help the bridge hold a lot of weight. This design makes the bridge stable. It can cross long distances. The Duvall Bridge uses a "Pratt truss" design. This is a specific type of truss.
People Behind the Bridge
Many people were involved with the Duvall Bridge. The Duvall family first settled the land. Later, county officials helped build the steel bridge.
The Duvall Family Connection
The Duvall family has a long history here. Mareen Duvall arrived in 1650. His family owned the land. They built the first bridge. It helped their mill. The bridge is named after them. This shows their lasting impact.
The 1907 Commissioners
When the steel bridge was built in 1907, county leaders were involved. A plaque on the bridge lists their names. These people were the Anne Arundel County Commissioners. They helped make the bridge happen. Their names were:
- G.D. Ridout
- J.H. Wayson
- J.M. Beard
- H.D. Cook
- J.S. Smith
- W.T. Wells
- A.A. Shipley
Where is the Duvall Bridge?
The Duvall Bridge is located over the Patuxent River. It is near Laurel, Maryland. Today, it is part of the Patuxent Research Refuge. It connects different areas of the refuge. This allows people to explore the natural environment.
