Near Thurmont in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Bowstring Arch Bridge

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 21, 2021

1. Bowstring Arch Bridge Marker

Inscription. Originally spanning Big Pipe Creek in Detour, Carrol County, Maryland, this Bowstring Arch Bridge, circa 1872, was reduced in width and moved to its present site over Little Hunting Creek. Patented in the early 1840’s by internationally known inventor Squire Whipple, the truss bridge was important to the industry and economics of young America. Borrowing their form from earlier wooden structures, the double iron was less susceptible to damage and wear from the elements. The prefabricated bridges were erected across rural America and many still span waterways.

Truss bridges depend on compression and tension for support against the forces of gravity. The arch itself is under compression and tends to be pushed together by forces acting on it. The thinner diagonal and vertical braces are subject to tension and help support the deck and arch of the bridge. (Marker Number 4.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1872.

Location. 39° 34.959′ N, 77° 26.069′ W. Marker is near Thurmont, Maryland, in Frederick County. Marker can be reached from Catoctin Furnace Road (Maryland Route 806) south of Red Bird Lane, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker

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is at or near this postal address: 12700 Catoctin Furnace Rd, Thurmont MD 21788, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Raceway and Dam (within shouting distance of this marker); Ruins of the Ironmaster’s House (within shouting distance of this marker); Ironmaster's Mansion (within shouting distance of this marker); Slag Heaps (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Catoctin Furnace (about 500 feet away); Catoctin Iron Furnace (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Catoctin Iron Furnace (about 600 feet away); Dirty and Dangerous (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Thurmont.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 21, 2021

2. Bowstring Arch Bridge Marker

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, October 21, 2021

3. Bowstring Arch Bridge Marker

Bowstring Arch Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Allen C. Browne, July 3, 2017

4. Bowstring Arch Bridge

Credits. This page was last revised on March 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 24, 2021, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 241 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 24, 2021, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.