Y-Bridge

The Historic National Road in Ohio

— A Unique Landmark —

Y-Bridge Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, October 7, 2016

1. Y-Bridge Marker

Inscription.
On November 16, 1814, the Muskingum Messenger reported,

“Muskingum and Licking Bridge, This grand and important work is now possible. Great credit is due to Mr. Rufus Scott, the architect. Now the south and north sides of Licking Creek were joined with Zanesville on the east side of the Muskingum River.”

This uncovered toll bridge was the first of five generations of Y-bridges that served as an important transportation link unique to the National Road in Ohio.

The second bridge was constructed in 1819 after the collapse of the original bridge. While designed to carry greater loads, the new structure survived only 13 years. Wear and damage from a winter flood made the bridge unsafe to carry the increased traffic that would pour across Ohio on the National Road. The third generation Y-bridge, built in 1832, carried travelers for 68 years. The fourth generation bridge was constructed in 1902. Heavily damaged in the flood of 1913, it was repaired and remained in service until 1979, when it was replaced by the bridge you see today.

Toll fees for the first bridge –

Each foot passenger ~ 3 cents
Each horse, mule,
Paid Advertisement

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or ass one year old or upwards~ 4 cents
Each horse and rider~ 12 & ½ cents
Each sleigh or sled drawn by two horses or oxen~ 25 cents
Each coach with four wheels and driver, drawn by four horses ~ 75 cents

Erected 2011 by The Ohio National Road Association, Inc.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Bridges & Viaducts • Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the The Historic National Road series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 16, 1814.

Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 39° 56.389′ N, 82° 0.754′ W. Marker was in Zanesville, Ohio, in Muskingum County. It was on Old National Road (U.S. 40), on the left when traveling west. Marker is in a small island park area, at the junction of the Muskingum and Licking Rivers, between the canal and the main channel. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 12 West Main Street, Zanesville OH 43701, United States of America.

We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

Regionally,

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, October 7, 2016

2. Y-Bridge Marker

Full view of marker

this marker was in the American Midwest,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found 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: A different marker also named Y-Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Y-Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); American Legion Post #29 Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Bicentennial Legacy Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Muskingum County Vietnam War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Muskingum County Iraqi Conflicts Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Muskingum County Medal of Honor Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Three Muskingum County Courthouses (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Zanesville.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Y-Bridge (was about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, October 7, 2016

3. Y-Bridge Marker

Marker as seen from a distance, bridge in the back ground

but has been confirmed missing).

Additional keywords. Old National Road

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, October 7, 2016

4. Y-Bridge

Photographed by Rev. Ronald Irick, October 7, 2016

5. Y-Bridge Marker

East end of the bridge, with older marker; subject of another HMdb page

Photographed by Craig Doda, November 7, 2026

6. Y-Bridge Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 2,446 times since then and 105 times this year. Last updated on November 11, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 22, 2016, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. 6. submitted on November 11, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.