List of bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in New Jersey facts for kids
New Jersey is home to many amazing bridges and tunnels! Some of these structures are so special that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important parts of history, engineering, or architecture. They tell us stories about how people traveled and built things long ago. Let's explore some of these cool historic bridges and tunnels in New Jersey!
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What Makes a Bridge or Tunnel Historic?
When a bridge or tunnel is added to the National Register of Historic Places, it means it's recognized as a significant landmark. These structures are often very old, show unique building styles, or played a big role in local history. They are like giant outdoor museums that you can drive or walk across!
Different Types of Historic Bridges
Bridges come in many shapes and sizes, each designed to handle different challenges. Here are some types you'll find among New Jersey's historic bridges:
- Arch Bridges: These bridges use curved arches to support the weight. They are very strong and have been built for thousands of years. Many historic bridges in New Jersey are stone arch bridges.
- Truss Bridges: These bridges use a framework of connected triangles, called a truss, to make them strong and stable. They are often made of metal and can span long distances.
- Lift Bridges: These are special bridges that can move a section up or down to let boats pass underneath. The Dock Bridge in Newark is a great example.
- Covered Bridges: These bridges have roofs and sides, often made of wood. The covering protects the wooden parts from weather, helping the bridge last longer. New Jersey has one famous covered bridge.
- Swing Bridges: A swing bridge pivots or "swings" open horizontally to allow boats to pass. The Draw Bridge at New Bridge is an example of an old swing bridge.
New Jersey's Historic Tunnels
Tunnels are like underground roads or pathways. They are built to go through mountains or under rivers. New Jersey has one very famous historic tunnel that connects it to New York City.
Famous Historic Bridges and Tunnels
The Holland Tunnel
The Holland Tunnel is a super important tunnel connecting Jersey City, New Jersey, with New York City under the Hudson River. It was built between 1920 and 1927. When it opened, it was the longest underwater vehicle tunnel in the world! It's made of strong cast iron sections. The tunnel was a huge engineering achievement, making it much easier to travel between the two states. It's still used by thousands of cars every day.
The Pulaski Skyway
The Pulaski Skyway is a very long and tall bridge that carries cars over parts of Newark and Jersey City. It was finished in 1932 and is known for its impressive design. It's a key part of the road system in New Jersey, helping people travel quickly through busy areas.
Green Sergeants Covered Bridge
Located near Stockton, the Green Sergeants Covered Bridge is a beautiful and rare sight in New Jersey. It was built in 1872 and is one of the few remaining covered bridges in the state. Walking or driving through it feels like stepping back in time!
Dock Bridge
The Dock Bridge in Newark was built in 1935. It's a special type of bridge called a lift bridge. This means a section of the bridge can be raised high into the air to let ships pass underneath on the Passaic River. It's a vital link for trains and boats.
Draw Bridge at New Bridge
This historic bridge, built in 1888-1889, is located where New Milford, River Edge, and Teaneck meet. It's famous for being the oldest highway swing-bridge in New Jersey. A swing bridge can pivot open to let boats go by, which was very important for river traffic in the past.
Old Stone Arch Bridge
The Old Stone Arch Bridge in Bound Brook is one of the oldest bridges on the list, built way back in 1730! Imagine how much history this bridge has seen. It's a true survivor and a testament to early American engineering.
Fink-Type Truss Bridge
The Fink-Type Truss Bridge from 1857 is a great example of an early truss bridge design. It was originally located in Allerton but has been moved to a new spot to preserve it. Its unique "Fink truss" design was very advanced for its time.
Other Notable Historic Bridges
- Arch Bridge from the Boonton Ironworks: This stone arch bridge from 1866 in Boonton shows the strong construction used in industrial areas.
- Backwards Tunnel: Built in 1871-1872 in Ogdensburg, this is a double stone arch tunnel. It's interesting because it's a tunnel that uses bridge-like arch construction.
- Canal Road over Six Mile Run: Part of the famous Delaware and Raritan Canal, this triple stone arch bridge from 1834 in Blackwells Mills was important for canal transportation.
- Main Street Bridge (Califon, New Jersey): This Pratt truss bridge from 1887 in Califon is a classic example of a metal truss bridge.
- Neshanic Station Lenticular Truss Bridge: Built in 1896 in Neshanic Station, this bridge has a unique "lenticular" or lens-shaped truss design, which looks very cool.
Why These Structures Matter
These historic bridges and tunnels are more than just ways to get from one place to another. They are important because:
- They show us history: They remind us of how people lived, worked, and traveled in the past.
- They are engineering marvels: Many of them were cutting-edge for their time, showing amazing skill and creativity.
- They are beautiful: Their designs often add to the beauty of the landscape.
- They connect us: They literally connect communities and help us understand the development of transportation.
By protecting these historic structures, we ensure that future generations can also learn from and appreciate them.
Images for kids
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Arch Bridge from the Boonton Ironworks
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Backwards Tunnel
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Bowne Station Road stone arch bridge
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Canal Road over Six Mile Run
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Dock Bridge
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Draw Bridge at New Bridge
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Fink-Type Truss Bridge
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Frog Hollow Road Bridge
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Glen Gardner Pony Pratt Truss Bridge
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Green Sergeants Covered Bridge
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Griggstown Causeway over Millstone River
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Hardenburgh Avenue Bridge
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Holland Tunnel
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Kingston Bridge
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Main Street Bridge (Califon)
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Main Street Bridge (Clinton)
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Main Street Bridge (Port Murray)
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Mill Pond Bridge
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Mount Joy Road Bridge
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Neshanic Station Lenticular Truss Bridge
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New Hampton Pony Pratt Truss Bridge
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Old Turnpike Road over Musconetcong River
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Old Stone Arch Bridge
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Palatine Road Bridge
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Peck's Ferry Bridge
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Pennsylvania Railroad Bridge
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Plane Hill Road Bridge over Pohatcong Creek
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Pulaski Skyway
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Randolphville Bridge
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Raritan Bridge
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Raven Rock Road Bridge
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Rockafellows Mill Bridge
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Stone Sign Post Road Bridge over Plum Brook
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Strimple's Mill Road Bridge over Lockatong Creek
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Trenton City/Calhoun Street Bridge
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Uhlerstown–Frenchtown Bridge
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Warrington Stone Bridge
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