Staunton, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Sears Hill Bridge
Photographed by Shane Oliver, June 8, 2020
1. Sears Hill Bridge Marker
Bridge History and Restoration
The current bridge dates from circa 1906 when the present train station, designed by local noted architect, T. J. Collins, was erected. An earlier wooden bridge had existed on the site since 1888. The iron pedestrian structure is listed as a part of the Wharf Historic District, and is listed on the Virginia Landmarks Register and the National Register of Historic Places.
In early 2010, the City of Staunton was offered the bridge by the owner of the train station complex because the bridge was held under an easement as a public right-of-way. After completing an engineering analysis of the bridge, the City determined that it was structurally unsound and closed it to any public access. The owner had the bridge dismantled and donated it to the City. In turn, the City requested that citizens step forward to create a committee, Friends of the Sears Hill Bridge, to raise funds for its restoration.
The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge served as the fiscal agent for the committee to allow charitable donations. After three years of efforts, the committee raised over $200,000 to restore the bridge and once again open it to the public in April of 2013.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. A significant historical year for this entry is 1906.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: History of the C&O Station (here, next to this marker); Railroads, Warehouses, Hospitals (here, next to this marker); Stauntons Wharf Historic District History (a few steps from this marker); Main Passenger Terminal (a few steps from this marker); Barnas Sears, Woodrow Park, & Sears Hill Neighborhood (within shouting distance of this marker); Staunton Historic Districts (within shouting distance of this marker); Beyer Print of Staunton (within shouting distance of this marker); Dr. Alexander Humphreys (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Staunton.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Staunton (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. The marker contains lists of officials and donors as well as two images. The lists are for Friends of the Sears Hill Bridge Committee and Sears Hill Bridge Restoration: Major Donors. The images are captioned: This photograph (circa 1900) shows an
Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 28, 2015
2. Sears Hill Bridge Marker
This is a photo of the marker before the glass was added on top.
Regarding Sears Hill Bridge. This bridge connects the Sears Hill District of Staunton to the Wharf District, where the station is located. Without this pedestrian bridge, the three minute walk down the path and across the bridge turns into 15 minutes using the sidewalk on the busy Route 11 underpass a few blocks away.
Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 28, 2015
4. This Marker is the One on the Left
The first flight of steps for the Sears Hill Bridge start here. This is a photo of the marker before Staunton photo was removed.
Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 28, 2015
5. Street View of the Sears Hill Bridge
Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 28, 2015
6. Sears Hill Bridge over Staunton Station
There are no steps on the Sears Hill side of the bridge. A paved path, the extension of Winthrop Street, continues up the hill to Sears Hill Road.
Photographed by Shane Oliver, June 8, 2020
7. Sears House Rear View
Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,544 times since then and 80 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 10, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on October 11, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on April 26, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 4. submitted on October 9, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5, 6. submitted on October 11, 2015, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 7. submitted on June 10, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A link to the National Register nomination, citing historical significance. • Can you help?
