Wilson Bridge Marker

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Near Hagerstown in Washington County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Wilson Bridge
Link Between East and West

Wilson Bridge Marker Photo, Click for full size

By J. J. Prats, August 5, 2006

1. Wilson Bridge Marker

Inscription. Built in 1819, this five-arch structure, named for nearby village, was first stone bridge in Washington County. Erected by Silas Harry at cost of $12,000, it was a major improvement to road system between Baltimore and Cumberland, providing continuous smooth surface from Eastern Seaboard to western wilderness. It is one of two oldest bridges remaining on the National Pike (first federally financed road in the U.S.). Wilson Bridge carried traffic until seriously damaged by storm flooding in 1972.

Placed on National Historic Register, 1982.

Erected by the Washington County Historical Society; the Maryland Historical Society; and the Washington County Committee, Maryland Historical Trust.

Marker series. This marker is included in the The Historic National Road marker series.

Location. 39° 39.449′ N, 77° 50.763′ W. Marker is near Hagerstown, Maryland, in Washington County. Marker is at the intersection of Baltimore National Pike (U.S. 40

Wilson Bridge as Viewed From the Marker Photo, Click for full size

By J. J. Prats, August 5, 2006

2. Wilson Bridge as Viewed From the Marker

) and Stone Bridge Drive, on the right when traveling west on Baltimore National Pike. Click for map. Marker is just east of the current U.S. 40 Conococheague Bridge. Marker is in this post office area: Hagerstown MD 21740, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, as the crow flies. A different marker also named Wilson Bridge (about 300 feet away, in a direct line); Gettysburg Campaign (approx. 0.3 miles away); Wilson’s Store (approx. 0.3 miles away); “The Bank Road” (approx. 0.7 miles away); Capt. Samuel G. Prather (approx. 3.8 miles away).

More about this marker. One of the few Maryland roadside markers of this style with only one face. Back of marker is blank.

Regarding Wilson Bridge. Just beyond the marker is Wilson Bridge Park with parking and picnic tables under trees and a grassy bank along the river from which the bridge can be viewed.

Also see . . .
1. Wilson Bridge Collapse, 1983. (Submitted on November 18, 2006.)
2. Wilson Bridge. (Submitted on November 18, 2006.)