Bridge Through History - Market Street Bridge of Harrisburg PA

Few commuters realize it but the Market Street Bridge today is literally a drive through history. 
The Market Street Bridge is a stone arch bridge that spans the Susquehanna River between Harrisburg, and Wormleysburg.
 The current structure is the third bridge built at its current location and is the second oldest remaining bridge in Harrisburg.  The bridge also carries BicyclePA Route J across the river.
Some important background why the bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
First this is actually the third bridge at this location.  The Camelback Bridge was the first bridge built to cross the Susquehanna River.  Construction was designed by Theodore Burr and building started in 1814 by Jacob Nailor.  After 6 years of construction it was opened as a toll bridge in 1820.  It was known back then as the Camelback Bridge.
One of the unique features of this original wooden bridge was the fact it was a covered bridge, designed to help keep passerbys protected from the elements year round.
To prove the profit motive is timeless, Union troops sent across the bridge to defend Harrisburg were charged the normal toll.
A second Harrisburg bridge was constructed in 1890 giving residents of the growing city a second way to safely cross the Susquehanna River.  This bridge was called the Walnut Street Bridge.
Unfortunately, the Cambelback Bridge was destroyed by a major flood in 1902.  That means the first bridge lasted 82 years.
After only 3 years a two lane replacement bridge was built at the same location in 1905.  The bridge was widened in 1926. 
One of the most unique features of today's 3rd generation bridge are the base stone columns from today's Harrisburg east side entrance that were salvaged from the original Civil War era State Capital that burned in 1897.
At the base are bronze plaques that record their origins.  It is poignant to note that President Abraham Lincoln walked past these very columns and into the capitol to deliver an address to the state legislature in February 1861.
Four years later the assassinated president's casket passed these same columns when his body was laid in state in the nation's capitol in April 1865.
We recognize the history of the Market Street Bridge in the intro of our latest Harrisburg video.

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