Kingsessing in Philadelphia in Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Newkirk Viaduct
In 1838, the Philadelphia Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad built the first permanent bridge across the river here. The 800 foot bridge had a railroad track on the south side and a roadway on the north side. The fifth span from the east could be pulled into the sixth span to allow boats to pass. The viaduct was rebuilt and strengthened several times before it was replaced by separate rail and road bridges from 1902.
The bridge was named after the railroad's president Matthew Newark. He was a prominent Philadelphia businessman and civic leader, who brought four railroad companies together to build this new rail line. The PW&B created direct rail service between Philadelphia and Washington, DC.
In 1839 the railroad had famous architect Thomas Ustick Walter design a monument to celebrate the construction of the unusual bridge. It was moved here from its former site by the Amtrak Northeast Corridor and restored in 2016.
Erected by Philadelphia Parks & Recreation; Schuylkill Banks.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles
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Location. 39° 56.402′ N, 75° 12.382′ W. Marker is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia County. It is in Kingsessing. It can be reached from Botanic Avenue north of South 49th Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1633 S 49th St, Philadelphia PA 19146, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Newkirk Viaduct Monument (here, next to this marker); Redeeming the Tidal Schuylkill (approx. 0.2 miles away); Woodlands Cemetery (approx. 0.3 miles away); Hamilton's Greenhouses & Hothouses (approx. 0.4 miles away); Hamilton's Carriage House & Stable
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 304 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 16, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
