Genesee Falls in Wyoming County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Portage Bridge
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, July 24, 2014
1. Portage Bridge Marker
Replaces largest wooden bridge in the world. Built in 1852. 300 acres of timber used in construction. Burned in 1875.
Erected 1935.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.
Location. 42° 34.673′ N, 78° 3.06′ W. Marker is in Genesee Falls, New York, in Wyoming County. Marker can be reached from Park Road. Marker is in Letchworth State Park at the back of a tiny parking area south of the bridge off the main Park Road at the southern end of the park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Castile NY 14427, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Welcome to Letchworth State Park (a few steps from this marker); The Railroad High Bridge (a few steps from this marker); In Grateful Memory of William Pryor Letchworth (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Council Grounds Ca. 1907...and Under Restoration (approx. 0.7 miles away); Welcome to the Seneca Council Grounds (approx. 0.7 miles
this page online
More about this marker. The marker is painted in the colors of Letchworth State Park signs. The rail line is still active. Norfolk Southern owns the bridge and the land at either end, and has posted no trespassing signs at the marker.
Regarding Portage Bridge. On 12/11/2017, the first train crossed the new $75 million ($59.5 from Norfolk Southern; the rest - federal & state money) arch bridge built adjacent to the old, which will be dismantled. The new bridge can carry 286,000 lb. railcars - the newest standard limit. On 03/20/2018 the last tower of the 1875 bridge was imploded. An article about the construction of the new Genesee Arch Bridge may be found in the February 2019 issue of Trains magazine (vol. 79, no. 2, p38-45).
Also see . . .
1. Portage Bridge. Historic Bridges website entry (Submitted on August 14, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
2. Letchworth State Park. Wikipedia entry:
Construction of a replacement bridge may
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, July 24, 2014
2. Portage Bridge Marker Parking
Off Park Road; very small lot.
3. The Portage Bridge - Glimpses of the Past. People, Places, and Things in Letchworth Park History. (Submitted on August 14, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
4. Letchworth State Park. New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation website entry (Submitted on August 14, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, July 24, 2014
3. Portage Bridge Marker and Parking
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, July 24, 2014
4. Portage Bridge
Park Road northward and under the bridge.
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, July 24, 2014
5. Portage Bridge
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, July 24, 2014
6. Portage Bridge
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, July 24, 2014
7. Portage Bridge
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, July 24, 2014
8. Portage Bridge
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, July 24, 2014
9. Portage Bridge
1875 date on footing by Park Road.
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, September 26, 2013
10. Portage Bridge
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, July 24, 2014
11. Portage Bridge in Distance
Zoomed view from Genesee Valley Canal Marker, Inspiration point, Letchworth State Park
Credits. This page was last revised on December 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 463 times since then and 146 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on August 14, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
