List of bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Maryland facts for kids
Maryland is home to many incredible bridges and tunnels, some of which are so old and important that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This special list helps protect places that are important to American history and culture. These structures aren't just ways to get from one place to another; they tell stories about how people traveled and built things long ago. Let's explore some of these historic crossings in Maryland!
Contents
Historic Railroad Bridges
Maryland played a big part in the early days of railroads in the United States. Many of its historic bridges were built for trains.
Carrollton Viaduct: A Pioneer Bridge
The Carrollton Viaduct is a true pioneer! Built between 1828 and 1829 in Baltimore, it's one of the oldest railroad bridges in the country. It was part of the very first tracks laid by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, which was a groundbreaking company at the time. Imagine trains crossing this bridge almost 200 years ago!
Thomas Viaduct: An Engineering Marvel
Another amazing bridge from the early railroad days is the Thomas Viaduct. Completed in 1835, this huge stone arch bridge is near Relay. It was also built for the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and is still used by trains today! It's a fantastic example of early American engineering.
B & O Bridge at Antietam Creek
The B & O Bridge near Keedysville was built around 1867. This bridge crosses the Antietam Creek, a place famous for a major battle during the American Civil War. It shows how important railroads were for moving people and goods, even during tough times.
.jpg)
Bollman Suspension and Trussed Bridge
The Bollman Suspension and Trussed Bridge in Savage is very special. Built in 1869, it's one of the few remaining bridges that use a unique design called a "Bollman Truss." This design was invented by Wendel Bollman and was very strong for its time. It's a great example of innovative bridge building from the past.
Historic Road Bridges
Not all old bridges were for trains. Many were built for people traveling by horse and buggy, and later, by car.
Casselman's Bridge: On the National Road
The Casselman's Bridge near Grantsville is one of Maryland's oldest bridges, built in 1813. It was part of the famous National Road, which was one of the first major improved highways in the United States. This road helped connect the eastern and western parts of the country.
Union Arch Bridge (Cabin John Aqueduct)
The Union Arch Bridge, also known as the Cabin John Aqueduct, was finished in 1864. Located in Cabin John, this masonry arch bridge is famous for having one of the longest stone arches in the world when it was built. It carries a water pipe that supplies water to Washington, D.C., showing how bridges can serve many purposes!
LeGore Bridge: A Stone Arch Beauty
The LeGore Bridge near Woodsboro was built between 1898 and 1900. It's a beautiful five-span stone arch bridge. Stone bridges like this were built to last, and the LeGore Bridge is a great example of the craftsmanship from that time.
Covered Bridges
Maryland also has some charming covered bridges. These bridges have roofs and sides, which helped protect the wooden structure from weather, making them last longer.
Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge
The Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge near North East was built around 1855. It's a "Burr Arch Through Truss" design, which means it has a strong arch built into its structure. Covered bridges are often very picturesque and remind us of a simpler time.
Jericho Covered Bridge
The Jericho Covered Bridge was built in 1865 and connects Baltimore and Harford counties. Like Gilpin's Falls, it's also a Burr Arch Through Truss bridge. These bridges are popular spots for visitors because of their unique look and historical feel.
Loys Station Covered Bridge
Near Thurmont, you can find the Loys Station Covered Bridge, built around 1860. This bridge uses a "Multiple King Post" design, which is another way to build a strong wooden bridge. It's one of several covered bridges in Frederick County.
Roddy Road Covered Bridge
Also near Thurmont is the Roddy Road Covered Bridge, built around 1860. This one is a "Single King Post" design, a simpler but still effective way to build a covered bridge. It's a smaller, charming example of these historic structures.
Utica Covered Bridge
The Utica Covered Bridge, built around 1860, is another beautiful covered bridge near Thurmont. It features a "Burr arch truss" design, similar to the Jericho and Gilpin's Falls bridges. These covered bridges are like time capsules, showing us how people built things in the past.
Historic Tunnels
Besides bridges, Maryland also has important historic tunnels.
Howard Street Tunnel
The Howard Street Tunnel in Baltimore was built between 1890 and 1895. This long tunnel was a major engineering feat for its time, allowing trains to travel under the city. It's a brick-lined tunnel with iron arches, showing the advanced construction methods used over a century ago.
.jpg)
Images for kids
-
B & O Railroad Potomac River Crossing
-
Bennies Hill Road Bridge
-
Bloomington Viaduct
-
Bullfrog Road Bridge
-
Crum Road Bridge
-
Fourpoints Bridge
-
Old Mill Road Bridge
-
Patterson Viaduct Ruins
-
Poffenberger Road Bridge
-
Waverly Street Bridge
-
Wilson's Bridge
.jpg)
