Easton in Northampton County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Northampton Street Bridge
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 4, 2017
1. Northampton Street Bridge Marker
This structure replaces a covered wooden bridge of three spans, each about 155 feet clear, supported by two hollow piers, 35 feet by 55 feet and two abutments, built by Timothy Palmer, 1805. At the time of removal being next to the oldest, if not the oldest, wooden highway bridge in the United States.
Dimensions of Present Bridge
A cantilever bridge, 550 feet between end pins; Two shore arms and two river arms, 125 feet each; suspended span, 50 feet; trusses, 36 feet centers; extreme width, 56 feet 6 inches.
Material, medium steel. Built 1895, by Union Bridge Co. Elevation of capstone on pier, 187.87 feet above mean tide, at Sandy Hook.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Bridges & Viaducts • Man-Made Features. In addition, it is included in the Covered Bridges series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1895.
Location. 40° 41.492′ N, 75° 12.262′ W. Marker is in Easton, Pennsylvania, in Northampton County. Marker can be reached from Northampton Street east of Larry Holmes Drive (Pennsylvania Route 611), on the right when traveling east. Marker is a large metal tablet mounted directly on a supporting steel pillar, just west of the center of the bridge. Marker is accessible
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Connecting Communities Across the Delaware River (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Easton! (within shouting distance of this marker); Christopher Columbus Statue (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Union Square Hotel (about 600 feet away in New Jersey); 1753 Bachmann Publick House (about 700 feet away); David Martin's Ferry (about 700 feet away); Bullman Street Stairway (about 800 feet away in New Jersey); Benjamin Riegel Mansion (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Easton.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Northampton Street Bridge
Also see . . .
1. Northampton Street Bridge.
Combining aesthetics with economical design, the Northampton Street Bridge employs a cantilever design with overhead sway bracing confined to the pier elements, giving it the appearance of a small, graceful suspension bridge. Fine ornamental work and miniature turret finishings on the main verticals add to the bridge's elegant presence. Built for the Delaware Bridge Company and operated as a toll bridge, it was sold to the Delaware River Joint Bridge Commission in 1921 and has been toll-free to automobile traffic
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 4, 2017
2. Delaware Bridge Company Plaque (mounted top/center on bridge structure)
Incorporated
March 1795
Managers
1895
JAMES W. LONG, PRESIDENT,
SAMUEL BOILEAU, JOHN F. GWINNER,
JOHN J. DETWILLER, WILLIAM HACKETT,
JOHN EYERMAN, ROBERT I. JONES,
- CONTRACTORS –
UNION BRIDGE COMPANY.
ENGINEER,
J.M.PORTER.
2. Northampton Street Bridge.
This bridge is a unique, incredible blend of engineering and artistry that is unlike any other bridge in the country. There are very few cantilever bridges in the United States remaining that are pin-connected in their entirety, and as such the Northampton Street Bridge is technologically significant. The bridge was rehabilitated in 1924. The bridge underwent major renovation 1957 following severe damage caused by flooding. Despite this, the bridge appears to retain integrity of design. The bridge was also rehabilitated in 1990 and 2002. (Submitted on March 5, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 4, 2017
3. National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark plaque (mounted on beam near marker)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 4, 2017
4. Northampton Street Bridge (north side view)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 4, 2017
5. Northampton Street Bridge (pier tower view)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 4, 2017
6. Northampton Street Bridge - 2002 Rededication Plaque
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 4, 2017
7. Northampton Street Bridge "No Horses" Sign
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 4, 2017
8. Northampton Street Bridge Pedestrian Walkway
Credits. This page was last revised on May 3, 2018. It was originally submitted on March 5, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 285 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 5, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 7, 8. submitted on April 27, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
