Visiting Washington D.C. Bridges

Visiting Washington D.C. Bridges

by Gary Mullen

Whether travelers are an architectural enthusiast or simply enjoy serious historic structures, visitors won't want to miss the many superb beautiful bridges in Washington D.C.. Featuring engaging tales that tell the history of the country, Washington D.C. Bridges tell a tale all 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 Northern area with the South, this bridge crosses over the Potomac River, linking the Lincoln Memorial to Columbia Island. Rich in art and detail, the Arlington Memorial Bridge is known also for famous sculptures such as The Arts of War, which were created by Leo Friedlander. Along the pylons on each pier, visitors can also view the work of sculptor Carl Paul Jennewein, which are massive circulars discs completed with eagles and faces.

Francis Scott Key Bridge

Erected in 1923, the Francis Scott Key Bridge was built by the Army Corps of Engineers. This bridge provides straightforward commuting between Virginia, Washington D.C. and Arlington County. The FSK is the oldest bridge that crosses over the Potomac River. Designers Max Tyler and Nathan Wyeth exploited a classical revival arch design when creating 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 employing the same masonry piers that were utilised for the previous bridge that stood in its place.

Chain Bridge

Carrying virtually 22,000 autos a day the Chain Bridge crosses over the Potomac River in Little Falls area of Washington, D.C. This girder designed bridge was made in 1939 from steel. The Chain Bridge marks the site where the Union Armed forces gained their access to the countryside encampments around Fairfax County. The bridge features a large crossbeam structure which seems just like a pergola or long garden arbor. The existing bridge is the second structure to stand in place as the original Chain Bridge was originally opened in 1793. Chain linked trusses were added in 1810 to the original bridge structure, giving the structure its preferred name. All together there's been a grand total of eight different version of this bridge in the location on which it now sits.

14th Street Bridge

Composed of 5 bridges that all cross over the Potomac River, the 14th Street Bridge connects Arlington, VA with Washington, D.C. This structure carries many different names composed from , Arland D. Williams Jr. Memorial Bridge, Charles R. Fenwick Bridge, the Long Bridge, Rochambeau Bridge and the George Mason Memorial Bridge. Of all the Washington D.C. Bridges, the Chain Bridge carries the most tragic tales. This bridge is the site where the Air Florida Flight 90 airplane crash took place on January 13, 1982. Today repairs continue to be done on this bridge to fix damage caused in that crisis.



Gary Mullen has been interested in <a href="http://www.historicaltreasuresofdc.com/landmarks/bridges-in-washington-dc/">Washington D.C. bridges</a> for many years. He has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many online publications, which can be read on <a href="http://www.historicaltreasuresofdc.com/landmarks/">http://www.HistoricalTreasuresOfDC.com</a> and across the web.

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