Belleville in Essex County, New Jersey — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Rutgers Bridge

Bicentennial 1976

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 3, 2010

1. The Rutgers Bridge Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

First wooden bridge built in 1790 – Anthony Rutgers of the Rutgers family for which Rutgers University is named. Operated as a toll bridge until destroyed by a great flood 1841. His widow sold charter to widow of Nicholas Joralemon. New bridge built in 1843 and sold to (3) counties in 1851 and made a free bridge. In 1879 iron bridge constructed which was replaced by present bridge in 1910.

Erected 1976 by Belleville Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. In addition, it is included in the The Spirit of ’76, America’s Bicentennial Celebration series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1790.

Location. 40° 47.188′ N, 74° 8.884′ W. Marker is in Belleville, New Jersey, in Essex County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Belleville Tnpk (Rutgers St) (New Jersey Route 7), on the left when traveling south on Main Street. Marker is on the east side of the exit ramp from route NJ-21 north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Belleville NJ 07109, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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

Belleville Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 3, 2010

2. Belleville Markers

Two markers are found at this location. The Ruters Bridge marker is seen here on the left, next to a marker denoting the 1776 Retreat Route of Washington's Army.

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marker. The Dutch Church (within shouting distance of this marker); School Number One (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Route 7 Bridge (about 300 feet away); Revolutionary War Soldiers Monument (about 300 feet away); LCpl Osbrany Montes de Oca Bridge (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named The Rutgers Bridge (about 300 feet away); Belleville Reformed Church Cemetery (about 300 feet away); Josiah Hornblower (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Belleville.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 3, 2010

3. Belleville Markers

Two markers are located alongside the Passiac River, on the Route 21 exit ramp.

Retreat Route Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 3, 2010

4. Retreat Route Marker

During Washington's retreat across New Jersey in 1776, British troop on the east side of the river fired upon the American as they passed this location.

Current Rutgers Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 3, 2010

5. Current Rutgers Bridge

The bridge was replaced several times since 1910. It connects the town of Belleville in Essex county to the west with North Arlington in Bergen county and Kearny in Hudson county to the east.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 21, 2018. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 854 times since then and 15 times this year. Last updated on February 11, 2012, by Gregory Guderian of Belleville, New Jersey. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 3, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.