Today in Wheeling History: August 21—Elm Grove Stone Arch Bridge added to the National Register of Historic Places (1981).
The Elm Grove Stone Arch Bridge, also known as the Monument Place Bridge, is the oldest surviving bridge in West Virginia. Built in 1817 by Colonel Moses Shepherd, the bridge spans Little Wheeling Creek in the Elm Grove neighborhood and carries U.S. Route 40, formerly the National Road. Constructed from native limestone, the three-span elliptical arch bridge measures 208 feet in length and features a distinctive “humpback” profile. It was built near Shepherd’s estate, Monument Place, and a nearby monument honoring Henry Clay, who helped route the National Road through Wheeling.
The bridge underwent structural changes in 1931 and 1953, but its most extensive renovation occurred in 2024. The West Virginia Division of Highways removed deteriorated pavement and sidewalks, repaired the spandrel walls and arch barrels, and reconstructed the concrete sidewalks and railings. Approximately 80 replacement stones were provided by the City of Wheeling, and all original, non-deteriorated stones were preserved. A clear sealant was applied to protect the structure from future damage. The $3.8 million project, completed in November 2024, restored both the bridge’s integrity and its historic character.
This enduring structure, listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 21, 1981, continues to connect generations to Wheeling’s early infrastructure and national legacy.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library – Elm Grove Bridge (https://tinyurl.com/386ykc69), WVDOH – Monument Place Bridge Renovation Announcement (https://tinyurl.com/mcuh8cyd), The Intelligencer – Monument Place Bridge Project (https://tinyurl.com/mszj54pf), Wikipedia – Elm Grove Stone Arch Bridge (https://tinyurl.com/4wdt8pjf), YouTube – Historic National Road: Elm Grove Stone Bridge (https://tinyurl.com/yh64sy7m)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV, Wikimedia Commons
The Elm Grove Stone Arch Bridge, also known as the Monument Place Bridge, is the oldest surviving bridge in West Virginia. Built in 1817 by Colonel Moses Shepherd, the bridge spans Little Wheeling Creek in the Elm Grove neighborhood and carries U.S. Route 40, formerly the National Road. Constructed from native limestone, the three-span elliptical arch bridge measures 208 feet in length and features a distinctive “humpback” profile. It was built near Shepherd’s estate, Monument Place, and a nearby monument honoring Henry Clay, who helped route the National Road through Wheeling.
The bridge underwent structural changes in 1931 and 1953, but its most extensive renovation occurred in 2024. The West Virginia Division of Highways removed deteriorated pavement and sidewalks, repaired the spandrel walls and arch barrels, and reconstructed the concrete sidewalks and railings. Approximately 80 replacement stones were provided by the City of Wheeling, and all original, non-deteriorated stones were preserved. A clear sealant was applied to protect the structure from future damage. The $3.8 million project, completed in November 2024, restored both the bridge’s integrity and its historic character.
This enduring structure, listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 21, 1981, continues to connect generations to Wheeling’s early infrastructure and national legacy.
To learn more: Ohio County Public Library – Elm Grove Bridge (https://tinyurl.com/386ykc69), WVDOH – Monument Place Bridge Renovation Announcement (https://tinyurl.com/mcuh8cyd), The Intelligencer – Monument Place Bridge Project (https://tinyurl.com/mszj54pf), Wikipedia – Elm Grove Stone Arch Bridge (https://tinyurl.com/4wdt8pjf), YouTube – Historic National Road: Elm Grove Stone Bridge (https://tinyurl.com/yh64sy7m)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV, Wikimedia Commons
RSS Feed