Everett in Snohomish County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
The Jackknife Bridge at Ebey Slough
1914 - 1980
photo caption:
Jackknife Bridge being raised over Ebey Slough, c. 1914.
A Bridge with a Past
This historic Jackknife Bridge was built in 1914, spanning Ebey Slough, giving access to the rich farmland of the Snohomish River delta and raising for river traffic. After many years of use it was listed on the National Historic Register as one of the few remaining bascule bridges.
How it was Raised
A Bascule Bridge is counter-balanced; when the weight is lowered, the bridge deck rises. (Bascule is French for weighing scales.) The counter-balance was configured to fold toward the deck when rising, as a jackknife, hence the unique name.
Jackknife Bridge Retired
In the 1950's, a new, wider span was built on Ebey Slough beside the Jackknife Bridge. The old bridge remained in place until removed by a local boat yard owner. He dismantled the rusted counter-balance apparatus and floated the bridge to his yard in Everett for salvage.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.
Location. 47° 59.58′ N, 122° 9.883′ W. Marker is in Everett, Washington, in Snohomish County. It can be reached from 4th Street Southeast 0.7
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Puget Sound Region and in Greater Seattle. It is also on the American Pacific Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, in the Cascade Range, in the Inside Passage, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: McCabe Building (approx. 1½ miles away); Fire Station No. 2 (approx. 2 miles away); Library Ladies (approx. 2.1 miles away); Architects & Architecture (approx. 2.1 miles away); First Presbyterian Church (approx. 2.2 miles away); Medal of Honor Memorial (approx. 2.2 miles away); Snohomish County Gold Star Memorial (approx. 2.2 miles away); 09.11.2001 (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Everett.
Regarding The Jackknife Bridge at Ebey Slough. The bridge was added to the National Register in 1982 but removed in 1990. It was moved to its current location in 1993, and now functions as a stationary footbridge over Union Slough to Spencer Island Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 4, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,110 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 4, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
