Southwest Waterfront in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Long Bridge

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 30, 2017

1. Long Bridge Marker

Inscription. Originally constructed in 1809 as a mile-long wooden toll bridge connecting the District with Virginia, Long Bridge has seen many transformations and additions. In 1861, five days after the fall of Fort Sumpter, Robert E. Lee rode south on Long Bridge after declining command of the Union Army. In 1881, ice piled up against the bridge, causing an unprecedented flood that put 254 acres of DC under six feet of water and led to the creation of East Potomac Park.

Erected by Hoffman Madison Waterfront LLC.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1809.

Location. 38° 52.772′ N, 77° 1.56′ W. Marker is in Southwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in Southwest Waterfront. Marker is at the intersection of District Square Southwest and Wharf Street Southwest, on the right when traveling west on District Square Southwest. The marker is on the District Pier at the DC Wharf in Southwest Washington. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 890 Water Street Southwest, Washington DC 20024, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. America's Oldest Operating Fish Market (a few steps from this marker); Houseboats on the Waterfront (a few steps from this

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marker); Urban Renewal (a few steps from this marker); Creating the Waterfront (a few steps from this marker); Navigating the Potomac River (within shouting distance of this marker); African-American History in Southwest (within shouting distance of this marker); Waterfront Industry and Commerce (within shouting distance of this marker); "a magnificent waterfront entranceway…" (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Southwest Washington.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 27, 2017

2. Long Bridge Marker

Long Bridge, Lincoln's Time.<br>Washington, DC image. Click for full size.

National Archives

3. Long Bridge, Lincoln's Time.
Washington, DC

“Union troops guarding a bridge over the Potomac River to Virginia to prevent infiltration by Confederate spies.” — National Archives

A map of the city of Washington in the District of Columbia, 1818 image. Click for full size.

Library of Congress

4. A map of the city of Washington in the District of Columbia, 1818

This 1818 map of Washington by Robert King shows the Long Bridge between the words “Potomac” and “River”.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 30, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 236 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 30, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.