Shepherdstown in Jefferson County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
The James Rumsey Bridge
Photographed by Craig Swain, August 5, 2007
1. The James Rumsey Bridge Marker
Named in honor of the inventor, James Rumsey, who made successful demonstrations of his steamboat on the Potomac River here on December 3 and 11, 1787.
Opened and dedicated on July 15, 1939.
Erected 1939.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1862.
Location. 39° 26.152′ N, 77° 48.196′ W. Marker is in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. It is on North Duke Street / Shepherdstown Pike (West Virginia Route 480), on the right when traveling north. The Shepherdstown Pike is numbered Route 34 on the Maryland side of the bridge. The marker is located on the southern end of the Bridge, at a pull off. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Shepherdstown WV 25443, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in the Eastern Panhandle. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Shepherdstown (here, next to this marker); River Crossing (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Shepherdstown (within shouting distance of this marker); Jefferson County / Maryland (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Waterfront Commerce and the Mecklenburg Warehouse
this page online
Photographed by Craig Swain, August 5, 2007
2. The South End of the Bridge
Photographed by Craig Swain, August 5, 2007
3. Rumsey Bridge
The present structure is the third erected in this vicinity, replacing a bridge dating to the first half of the 20th Century.
Photographed by David Graff, September 9, 1999
4. James Rumsey Bridge (1939-2004)
The previous 6-span truss bridge looking north to Maryland. The new bridge was built slightly upstream and the marker location was made more accessible.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 8, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,659 times since then and 146 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 8, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on July 13, 2011, by David Graff of Halifax, Nova Scotia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
