Uniontown in Fayette County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

James Finley

(1756-1828)

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, April 17, 2011

1. James Finley Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

In 1808 Finley obtained the first US patent for a suspension bridge. His first rigid chain bridge, which once spanned nearby Jacob’s Creek, exemplified the ingenuity of Finley’s design. Bridges following his patented design were built in several other states, and he is considered a pioneer of the modern suspension bridge. A Uniontown resident, he served as a judge and a member of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania.

Erected 2008 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1808.

Location. 39° 53.959′ N, 79° 43.36′ W. Marker is in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, in Fayette County. Marker can be reached from Jefferson Street. Located at the Uniontown Public Library. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Uniontown PA 15401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Peace Through Strength and Vigilance (about 300

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feet away, measured in a direct line); Roll Of Honor (about 600 feet away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fayette County (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Uniontown.

Also see . . . Structure Mag.com - James Finley. (Submitted on April 18, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, April 17, 2011

2. James Finley Marker

Chain Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Strickland, 1810

3. Chain Bridge

Detail of "View of the Chain Bridge invented by James Finley Esq." (1810), wood engraving, The Port Folio [Magazine], June 1810. Although not specifically identified, this is likely the Chain Bridge at Falls of Schuylkill

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 18, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 959 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 18, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.