Bellaire in Belmont County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Great Stone Viaduct
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2010
1. The Great Stone Viaduct Marker
Construction of this Great Stone Viaduct began in 1870 at Union Street as an Ohio approach to the railroad bridge spanning the Ohio River. It was completed to Rose Hill in April 1871, and the entire bridge span connecting Ohio to West Virginia, of which the Viaduct is a part, was opened to rail traffic on June 21, 1871. Jointly constructed by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad and the Central Ohio Railroad, its sandstone piers rise in varying heights 10 to 20 feet above the streets, from which are placed 43 stone arches supported by 37 ring stones (18 on each side of a keystone) intended to symbolize a united Union consisting of 37 states. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, this Ohio River crossing became known as the "Great Shortline to the West."
Erected 2008 by The Village of Bellaire and The Ohio Historical Society. (Marker Number 14-7.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Ohio Historical Society / The Ohio History Connection series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1871.
Location. 40° 0.766′ N, 80° 44.55′ W. Marker
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest, in the Ohio River Valley, 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 Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Imperial Glass (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); 1855-1871 Planning A City For A Railroad (approx. 0.2 miles away); Veterans Arch (approx. 0.2 miles away); Symbolism Of The Arch (approx. Ό mile away); King Solomon White (1868-1955) / "Sol" White In His Own Words (approx. Ό mile away); Willow Grove Mine (approx. Ό mile away); Colonel John H. Sullivan (approx. Ό mile away); War Memorial (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bellaire.
Also see . . . B & O Railroad Viaduct. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on June 19, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2010
2. The Great Stone Viaduct Drawing on Marker
The vehicular bridge (now closed) linking Bellaire and Benwood WV is in the background. Looking NNE.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2010
3. The Great Stone Viaduct and Marker
The 1926 Interstate Bridge (closed 1991) linking Bellaire and Benwood WV is in the background. Looking NNE.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2010
4. The Great Stone Viaduct Stonework
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2010
5. The Great Stone Viaduct (South Face)
Looking WNW along 31st Street.
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., February 20, 2010
6. The Great Stone Viaduct (North Face)
Looking WNW along 31st Street.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 19, 2024. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 3,375 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 9, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
