Today in Wheeling History: July 8--A Congressional committee on roads made a favorable report asking Congress to declare the Wheeling Suspension Bridge a post-road and military road, aiming to save it from removal ordered by the Supreme Court (1852).
The Wheeling Suspension Bridge, completed in 1849, was the first bridge to span the Ohio River and the largest suspension bridge in the world at the time. Designed by Charles Ellet Jr., it connected the National Road across the Ohio River.
In 1849, the State of Pennsylvania filed a lawsuit against the bridge company, claiming the bridge obstructed navigation on the Ohio River, harming Pittsburgh's commercial interests. This led to a significant Supreme Court case in 1851-1852. The Court initially ruled in favor of Pennsylvania, ordering the bridge to be removed or raised. However, before this order could be executed, supporters of the bridge successfully lobbied Congress. In August 1852, Congress passed legislation declaring the bridge a post road, effectively legalizing its current height and location. This action led to a second Supreme Court case in 1856, where the Court recognized Congress's authority and ruled in favor of the bridge's preservation.
After a windstorm destroyed the deck in 1854, it was quickly rebuilt. The bridge underwent several modifications over the years, including improvements by William Hildenbrand in 1874 and a major renovation in 1956. As of now, the bridge remains closed to vehicular traffic due to weight limit violations and safety concerns. A recent $17.9 million restoration project has focused on repairing the span beyond cosmetic improvements. While it's uncertain whether vehicles will be allowed on it again, the bridge's rich history as the first to span the Ohio River and once the largest suspension bridge in the world endures. It is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/EWXvW) (https://shorturl.at/0tolb) (https://shorturl.at/vBLd9) (https://shorturl.at/wOoIZ) (https://tinyurl.com/49x577hk)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives: Wheeling WV; Library of Congress, Wikimedia Commons
The Wheeling Suspension Bridge, completed in 1849, was the first bridge to span the Ohio River and the largest suspension bridge in the world at the time. Designed by Charles Ellet Jr., it connected the National Road across the Ohio River.
In 1849, the State of Pennsylvania filed a lawsuit against the bridge company, claiming the bridge obstructed navigation on the Ohio River, harming Pittsburgh's commercial interests. This led to a significant Supreme Court case in 1851-1852. The Court initially ruled in favor of Pennsylvania, ordering the bridge to be removed or raised. However, before this order could be executed, supporters of the bridge successfully lobbied Congress. In August 1852, Congress passed legislation declaring the bridge a post road, effectively legalizing its current height and location. This action led to a second Supreme Court case in 1856, where the Court recognized Congress's authority and ruled in favor of the bridge's preservation.
After a windstorm destroyed the deck in 1854, it was quickly rebuilt. The bridge underwent several modifications over the years, including improvements by William Hildenbrand in 1874 and a major renovation in 1956. As of now, the bridge remains closed to vehicular traffic due to weight limit violations and safety concerns. A recent $17.9 million restoration project has focused on repairing the span beyond cosmetic improvements. While it's uncertain whether vehicles will be allowed on it again, the bridge's rich history as the first to span the Ohio River and once the largest suspension bridge in the world endures. It is recognized as a National Historic Landmark and Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/EWXvW) (https://shorturl.at/0tolb) (https://shorturl.at/vBLd9) (https://shorturl.at/wOoIZ) (https://tinyurl.com/49x577hk)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives: Wheeling WV; Library of Congress, Wikimedia Commons
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