Waterford in Saratoga County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Waterford Bridges

National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark

Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, September 11, 2013

1. Waterford Bridges Marker

Inscription. National Historic
Civil Engineering Landmark

Waterford Bridges
Waterford, New York
The Union Bridge, the first to cross the lower Hudson River was built in 1804 at this site by Theodore Burr and lasted for 105 years until it was burned and replaced by the existing steel bridge, the second bridge, designed by Alfred P. Boller and Henry Hodge, was built in 1909 by the Phoneix Bridge Company. Together these two bridges, on the same piers, have served the area for 209 years.
Constructed: 1804 and 1909
Designated: 2013

Erected 2013 by American Society of Civil Engineers.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Man-Made Features • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the ASCE Civil Engineering Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1804.

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. Union Bridge (here, next to this marker); Waterford N.Y. (within shouting

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distance of this marker); Waterford War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Waterford (within shouting distance of this marker); Troy - Waterford Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Waterford Village Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); Village of Waterford (within shouting distance of this marker); Birthplace of Howard Lindsay (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waterford.

More about this marker. The Waterford Bridges were honored as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark on September 8, 2013 in Waterford in association with the closing of the annual Waterford Tugboat Roundup festivities.

Regarding Waterford Bridges. Troy Union Bridge Burned.
Collapse of Spans of 1804 Structure Dropped Firemen Into Hudson.
Special to The New York Times.

Troy, N. Y., July 10. - The Union Bridge, which spanned the Hudson River from Troy to Waterford, two and one miles above tidewater, was destroyed by fire this afternoon.

The

Waterford Bridges Marker & RiverSpark Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, September 11, 2013

2. Waterford Bridges Marker & RiverSpark Marker

old structure was built entirely of wood and was opened to the public in 1804. It has been in continual service since, although it was remodeled in 1860. The bridge was 800 feet long and 30 feet wide, comprising four arches resting on the three pillars and two abutments. It was an enclosed structure with glass windows stretching the entire length of its walls.

The fire was fanned by a stiff wind, and exploding gas pipes accelerated its spread and drove fire fighters from the bridge.

After a half hour's burning three spans dropped into the river and with them six members of the volunteer fire department. They were rescued with difficulty and escaped injury.

The bridge carried the Hudson Valley Railway tracks across the river and was largely used by automobile parties going to Saratoga and the Adirondack resorts.

Additional keywords. Lansingburgh 126th Street Bridge Closed

Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, September 11, 2013

3. Waterford Bridges Marker

The marker is attached to the bridge truss on the right, just above the guard rail.

The 1804 Wooden Covered Waterford Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous, September 11, 2013

4. The 1804 Wooden Covered Waterford Bridge

This photo is on an information kiosk in the park near the bridge.

The 1909 Waterford Bridge & Hudson River image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Howard C. Ohlhous

5. The 1909 Waterford Bridge & Hudson River

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2013, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. This page has been viewed 485 times since then and 34 times this year. Last updated on November 23, 2013, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 15, 2013, by Howard C. Ohlhous of Duanesburg, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.