Willimantic Footbridge facts for kids
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Willimantic Footbridge
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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Willimantic Footbridge in August 2013
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | Railroad Street, Willimantic, Connecticut |
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| Built | 1906 |
| Architect | Owego Bridge Company |
| Architectural style | Steel truss footbridge |
| Part of | Main Street Historic District (ID82004410) |
| NRHP reference No. | 79002654 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | April 19, 1979 |
| Designated CP | June 29, 1982 |
The Willimantic Footbridge is a special bridge for people walking in Willimantic. It was built a long time ago, in 1906. This bridge helps connect the downtown area of Willimantic to the homes south of the Willimantic River.
It stretches across Riverside Drive, several railroad tracks, and the Willimantic River itself. This footbridge is one of the few old pedestrian bridges from the early 1900s that are still standing in Connecticut. Because it is so important, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.
What Makes the Willimantic Footbridge Special?
The Willimantic Footbridge starts near the main street in downtown Willimantic. It is a very long bridge, about 600 feet (183 meters) in length. The bridge is made of strong steel parts called "trusses." These trusses are like giant triangles that help the bridge hold its weight.
Most of the bridge rests on steel towers called "piers." One part of the bridge even sits on a pier made of granite rocks. The ends of the bridge, where it connects to the land, are also made of strong stone blocks.
How the Bridge Was Built
The bridge uses different types of steel trusses. The longest parts, which go over the river and the main railroad tracks, have very strong trusses. Lighter trusses are used for the parts that cross other railroad tracks and Riverside Drive. This design makes sure the bridge is strong where it needs to be.
The idea for a bridge in this spot first came up in 1877. But it wasn't until the early 1900s that city leaders decided to build it. They wanted to make downtown Willimantic easier for people to walk around. So, in 1906, the Willimantic Footbridge was finally built.
A Unique Landmark
Today, the Willimantic Footbridge is a popular spot in Willimantic. It is quite special because it is the only footbridge in all of New England that crosses both a river and a railroad. This makes it an important part of the town's history and a cool place to visit.
