The Narrowest and The Deepest
Narrowsburg takes its name from the small, narrow rock canyon easily seen from the bridge. The canyon, only 200 feet wide, is the narrowest point in the length of the Delaware River main stem and is located at river-mile 290 as counted from the mouth of the Delaware Bay.
Local commerce was greatly enhanced by the accessibility offered by the interstate bridge. The current bridge is the fifth bridge erected at the narrows since 1810. Earlier bridges, including covered bridges and a simple iron structure, were washed away by flood waters.
[Photo captions, counterclockwise from middle left, read]
Bridge Approach
Main Street Narrowsburg has changed significantly since this photo of the businesses along the old bridge approach.
Toll Bridges
Some bridges had toll houses with toll collectors. Tolls for pedestrians, cattle, horses, and vehicles helped fund bridge construction.
The Narrows and the Big Eddy
Above and left: Just downstream from these narrows is the Big Eddy, the deepest place in the Delaware River. An eddy is a place of quiet river and flat water flanked above and below by rapids, exposed rocks and shallow water. The 113 foot deep hole, visible from the deck, often has a whirlpool. There are two theories concerning this hole: (1) it is a long-drowned 'plunge pool' from
Erected by Upper Delaware Scenic Byway.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Environment • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1810.
Location. 41° 36.486′ N, 75° 3.687′ W. Marker is in Narrowsburg, New York, in Sullivan County. Marker is on Main Street south of Bridge Street (New York State Route 52), on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 75 Main Street, Narrowsburg NY 12764, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Arlington Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Stranahan's Store (within shouting distance of this marker); J.S. Anderson Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Decker Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Green Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Oasis (about 400 feet away); Dexter Manufacturing (about 400 feet away); War Memorial (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Narrowsburg.
Also see . . . The Big Eddy - Narrowsburg, New York - Catskills - Upper Delaware River at YouTube. (Submitted on August 4, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 26, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 820 times since then and 133 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 4, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 5. submitted on September 26, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.