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Whether or not you are an architectural appreciator or merely enjoy significant historic structures, visitors won't want to miss the various amazing beautiful bridges in Washington D.C.. Featuring fascinating stories that tell the history of the country, Washington D.C. Bridges tell a story all of their own.
Arlington Memorial Bridge
Often thought to be one of the most pretty bridges in Washington D.C, the Arlington Memorial Bridge is filled with symbolism. Connecting the Northerly area with the South, the Arlington Memorial Bridge crosses over the famous Potomac River, providing a connecting route for the Lincoln Memorial to Columbia Island. Loaded in art and detail, the Arlington Memorial Bridge is also known for famous sculptures such as "The Arts of War", which were created by Leo Friedlander. Along the pylons on each pier, you can also see the work of sculptor Carl Paul Jennewein, which are enormous circulars discs finished with eagles and faces.
Francis Scott Key Bridge
Completed in 1923, the Francis Scott Key Bridge was created by the Army Corps of Engineers. This bridge provides easy commuting between Arlington County, Washington D.C. and Virginia. This bridge is the oldest bridge that crosses over the Potomac River. Designers Max Tyler and Nathan Wyeth used a classical revival arch design when making the plans for this bridge.
John Philip Sousa Bridge
Named after John Philip Sousa, the famous composer of many patriotic American marches, the John Philip Sousa Bridge carries Pennsylvania Avenue over the Anacostia River. The John Philip Sousa bridge was opened in 1940 utilizing the same masonry piers that were exploited for the previous bridge that stood in its place.
Chain Bridge
Carrying almost 22,000 vehicles a day the Chain Bridge crosses over the Potomac River in Little Falls area of Washington, D.C. This girder designed bridge was constructed in 1939 from steel. The Chain Bridge marks the site where the Union Military gained their access to the countryside encampments within Fairfax County. The bridge features a massive crossbeam structure which closely resembles a pergola or long garden arbor. The existing bridge is the second structure to stand in place as the 1st Chain Bridge was first opened in 1793. Chain linked trusses were added in 1810 to the first bridge structure, giving the structure its popular name. All together there were a grand total of 8 different version of this bridge in the location on which it now sits.
14th Street Bridge
Consisting of five bridges that all cross over the Potomac River, the 14th Street Bridge connects Virginia, Arlington County and DC This structure carries many various names consisting of , Arland D. Williams Jr. Memorial Bridge, Rochambeau Bridge, the Long Bridge, Charles R. Fenwick Bridge, and the George Mason Memorial Bridge. Of all the Washington D.C. Bridges, the Chain Bridge carries the most sad tales. This bridge is the site where the Air Florida Flight 90 airplane crash occurred on in 1982. Today repairs continue to be completed on this bridge to repair damage caused during that airplane crash.
Arlington Memorial Bridge
Often thought to be one of the most pretty bridges in Washington D.C, the Arlington Memorial Bridge is filled with symbolism. Connecting the Northerly area with the South, the Arlington Memorial Bridge crosses over the famous Potomac River, providing a connecting route for the Lincoln Memorial to Columbia Island. Loaded in art and detail, the Arlington Memorial Bridge is also known for famous sculptures such as "The Arts of War", which were created by Leo Friedlander. Along the pylons on each pier, you can also see the work of sculptor Carl Paul Jennewein, which are enormous circulars discs finished with eagles and faces.
Francis Scott Key Bridge
Completed in 1923, the Francis Scott Key Bridge was created by the Army Corps of Engineers. This bridge provides easy commuting between Arlington County, Washington D.C. and Virginia. This bridge is the oldest bridge that crosses over the Potomac River. Designers Max Tyler and Nathan Wyeth used a classical revival arch design when making the plans for this bridge.
John Philip Sousa Bridge
Named after John Philip Sousa, the famous composer of many patriotic American marches, the John Philip Sousa Bridge carries Pennsylvania Avenue over the Anacostia River. The John Philip Sousa bridge was opened in 1940 utilizing the same masonry piers that were exploited for the previous bridge that stood in its place.
Chain Bridge
Carrying almost 22,000 vehicles a day the Chain Bridge crosses over the Potomac River in Little Falls area of Washington, D.C. This girder designed bridge was constructed in 1939 from steel. The Chain Bridge marks the site where the Union Military gained their access to the countryside encampments within Fairfax County. The bridge features a massive crossbeam structure which closely resembles a pergola or long garden arbor. The existing bridge is the second structure to stand in place as the 1st Chain Bridge was first opened in 1793. Chain linked trusses were added in 1810 to the first bridge structure, giving the structure its popular name. All together there were a grand total of 8 different version of this bridge in the location on which it now sits.
14th Street Bridge
Consisting of five bridges that all cross over the Potomac River, the 14th Street Bridge connects Virginia, Arlington County and DC This structure carries many various names consisting of , Arland D. Williams Jr. Memorial Bridge, Rochambeau Bridge, the Long Bridge, Charles R. Fenwick Bridge, and the George Mason Memorial Bridge. Of all the Washington D.C. Bridges, the Chain Bridge carries the most sad tales. This bridge is the site where the Air Florida Flight 90 airplane crash occurred on in 1982. Today repairs continue to be completed on this bridge to repair damage caused during that airplane crash.
About the Author:
Gary Mullen has been interested in Washington D.C. bridges for many years. He has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications, which can be read on http://www.HistoricalTreasuresOfDC.com and across the web.