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 • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.
Location. 39° 56.402′ N, 75° 12.382′
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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 (approx. half a mile away); Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science (approx. half a mile away); Commodore David Porter (approx. half a mile away); Philadelphia Orchard Project (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philadelphia.
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 96 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.
