Waterford in Saratoga County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Union Bridge
Union Bridge
The site of the Union Bridge, the first bridge over the Hudson River, the original Union Bridge was built in 1804 by the people of Waterford and Lansingburgh. This wooden, covered toll bridge was designed by Theodore Burr, noted bridge architect. Operated by Union Bridge Company, the toll in 1805 was eighteen cents for farmers and twenty five cents for "gentlemen's" wagons.
Seven hundred and ninety-seven feet long, with four spans and two roadways the bridge was destroyed by fire on July 10, 1909.
Erected by River Spark.
Location. 42° 47.343′ N, 73° 40.505′ W. Marker is in Waterford, New York, in Saratoga County. Marker is on Broad Street (New York State Route 4), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Waterford NY 12188, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Waterford Bridges (here, next to this marker); Troy - Waterford Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Gen. Henry Knox Trail (within shouting distance
of this marker); Saratoga County Bank (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Water Ford (about 600 feet away); Eagle Tavern Site (about 700 feet away); The Waterways that Shaped a Nation (approx. ¼ mile away); Waterford (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waterford.
More about this marker. There are two RiverSpark plaques, each one mounted on opposite ends of the bridge.
Regarding Union Bridge. In 1804, Theodore Burr designed the first "sizable bridge" crossing New York's Hudson River, at Waterford, New York. It lasted until 1909, when it was destroyed by fire. The "Burr arch truss", used two long arches, resting on the abutments on either end, that typically sandwiched a multiple kingpost structure. Theodore Burr built nearly every bridge that crossed the Susquehanna River from Binghamton, New York, to Maryland in those days. His successes made him the most distinguished architect of bridges in the country. Today's modern bridges with their graceful arches can be traced back to Theodore Burr and his contemporaries.
Additional keywords. 126th Street Bridge Closed Detour
Categories.
• Bridges & Viaducts • Man-Made Features • Roads & Vehicles •

By Howard C. Ohlhous, September 11, 2013
5. Union Bridge Fire - July 10, 1909
After a half hour's burning three of the four bridge spans dropped into the river and with them six members of the volunteer fire department. They were rescued with difficulty and escaped injury. This photo is on an information kiosk in the park near the bridge.

United States Patent and Trademark Office
9. Burr Truss - Patent Number: US0X0002769
This is a patent drawing for the Burr Truss, the type used on the Union Bridge in Waterford in 1804. The Burr truss combines an arch with a multiple-Kingpost truss. Though the Union bridge was built in 1804, this patent for the truss design was not issued until April 3, 1817.
More. Search the internet for Union Bridge.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on September 22, 2013, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. This page has been viewed 360 times since then and 18 times this year. Last updated on November 23, 2013, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. submitted on September 22, 2013, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.