Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Poughkeepsie-Highland Bridge

National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark

Photographed By Deb Hartshorn, September 4, 2010

1. Poughkeepsie-Highland Bridge Marker

Inscription. The Poughkeepsie-Highland Bridge is the oldest surviving steel cantilever bridge in the world, and when built, had the longest truss and cantilever spans. The bridge provided the first, and only, all-rail route across the Husdon River south of Albany, and it facilitated the movement of coal eastward and manufactured goods westward for 85 years. Restored as the Walkway Over the Hudson, the bridge provides an outstanding example of adaptive reuse. Its designers were Thomas C. Clarke (ASCE President 1896) and Charles MacDonald (ASCE President 1908).

Constructed: 1886-1889 Dedicated: 2009

Erected 2009.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the ASCE Civil Engineering Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 2009.

Location. 41° 42.63′ N, 73° 56.677′ W. Marker is in Poughkeepsie, New York, in Dutchess County. Bridge and marker are accessible only by foot, from the western terminus in Highland (Ulster County) or the eastern terminus in Poughkeepsie (Dutchess County). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Poughkeepsie NY 12601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this

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marker. The Clearwater (within shouting distance of this marker); Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge Construction (within shouting distance of this marker); Mid-Hudson Bridge Suspension Cables (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge Cantilevered Spans (about 400 feet away); The Fall Kill (about 500 feet away); Main Street Ferry Landing (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge Construction (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Poughkeepsie.

Regarding Poughkeepsie-Highland Bridge. The bridge is also known as the Walkway over the Hudson and the Hudson Valley Rail-Trail.

Also see . . .
1. Library of Congress - Historic American Engineering Record. (Submitted on September 8, 2010, by Deb Hartshorn of Burlington County, New Jersey.)
2. Wikipedia entry for the Poughkeepsie Bridge. (Submitted on September 8, 2010, by Deb Hartshorn of Burlington County, New Jersey.)
3. Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge - National Archives. National Register of Historic Places documentation (Submitted on January 29, 2024, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 30, 2019

2. Poughkeepsie-Highland Bridge Marker

Pedestrians on the Poughkeepsie-Highland Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Deb Hartshorn, September 4, 2010

3. Pedestrians on the Poughkeepsie-Highland Bridge

Southern view of the Mid-Hudson Bridge over the Hudson River image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Deb Hartshorn, September 4, 2010

4. Southern view of the Mid-Hudson Bridge over the Hudson River

Northern view of Hudson River image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Deb Hartshorn, September 4, 2010

5. Northern view of Hudson River

Poughkeepsie-Highland Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Michael Herrick, November 2, 2010

6. Poughkeepsie-Highland Bridge

Taken from Waryas Park on the Poughkeepsie side of the Hudson River

Photographed By Michael Herrick, November 2, 2010

7. Poughkeepsie-Highland Bridge

Looking north up the Hudson River. The bridge is 1/2 mile long over the river. It extends another 1/2 mile to the right where it finally meets level ground.

<i>Poughkeepsie Bridge, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.</i> image. Click for full size.

Postcard by the Detroit Publishing Company, 1904

8. Poughkeepsie Bridge, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

The Poughkeepsie-Highland Railroad Bridge is a remarkable achievement, first proposed in 1855. After the Civil War, the idea was taken more seriously. After several false starts, successful construction began in 1886. The first train crossed December 29, 1888. When the bridge opened in 1889, it was the longest bridge in North America and the first bridge to span the Hudson River between Albany and New York City. It became a key transportation hub linking western raw materials to eastern industrial centers until the fire in 1974 closed it. - Walkway Over the Hudson (Walkway.org)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 8, 2010, by Deb Hartshorn of Burlington County, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,382 times since then and 76 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 8, 2010, by Deb Hartshorn of Burlington County, New Jersey. 2. submitted on February 11, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 9, 2010, by Deb Hartshorn of Burlington County, New Jersey. 6, 7. submitted on November 3, 2010, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. 8. submitted on September 2, 2015. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.