The History of the Suspension Bridge

Suspension bridges have been used for thousands of years as a means to cross rivers, canyons and gorges by every society in the world.

Early Suspension Bridges

The societies that lived in South America, Africa and Asia thousands of years ago strung twisted vines attached to trees to cross over rivers. They added branches to create a flat surface to walk upon.

First Modern Suspension Bridge

Thomas Telford designed the first suspension bridge in 1822, and it was completed in 1826. It is located on Bangor-Chester Road in Wales, Great Britain, at the foot of Conwy Castle.

The First Niagara Suspension Bridge

William Hamilton Merritt commissioned Charles Ellet Jr. to build a bridge across Niagara Falls in 1846. Two years later, the bridge was completed, spanning 800 feet.

The Wheeling Suspension Bridge

Once touted as the longest suspension bridge in the world, the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, which crosses the Ohio River, was built by Charles Ellet Jr. in 1849.

The Brooklyn Bridge

John Roebling conceived the first modern suspension bridge in the New York, connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn in 1867. His son, Washington, took over construction when he died, and his wife, Emily, kept the project going when Washington was bedridden.

References

• Suspension Bridges
• Conwy Suspension Bridge
• The Wheeling Suspension Bridge