Today in Wheeling History: November 15—The Wheeling Suspension Bridge formally opens (1849).
The citizens of Wheeling celebrated the opening of the Wire Suspension Bridge over the Ohio River on November 15, 1849. The day was filled with festivities, including cannon fire, music, and an illuminated display of a thousand lamps on the bridge. Prominent speakers praised the engineering achievement and its significance for national progress and unity. The event showcased the bridge's importance for transportation and trade, with references to future railroad connections and the potential for bridging other rivers. The celebration concluded with a grand supper and toasts to the bridge, its architect Charles Ellet, Jr., and the states of Virginia and Ohio.
It was one of the last construction projects associated with the National Road. At that time, this was the only bridge across the Ohio River and the largest suspension bridge in the world. (https://rb.gy/yiw05) (https://rb.gy/ihrpv) (https://rb.gy/fax8q)
The citizens of Wheeling celebrated the opening of the Wire Suspension Bridge over the Ohio River on November 15, 1849. The day was filled with festivities, including cannon fire, music, and an illuminated display of a thousand lamps on the bridge. Prominent speakers praised the engineering achievement and its significance for national progress and unity. The event showcased the bridge's importance for transportation and trade, with references to future railroad connections and the potential for bridging other rivers. The celebration concluded with a grand supper and toasts to the bridge, its architect Charles Ellet, Jr., and the states of Virginia and Ohio.
It was one of the last construction projects associated with the National Road. At that time, this was the only bridge across the Ohio River and the largest suspension bridge in the world. (https://rb.gy/yiw05) (https://rb.gy/ihrpv) (https://rb.gy/fax8q)
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