Casselman Bridge

 

Built in 1813 the Casselman Bridge carried the United States' first federal highway. At the time it was built it was the largest single-span stone arch bridge in the United States. Most people who watched its construction did not believe that it would stand. To avoid having the general public as an audience should the bridge collapse, the contractor snuck out and loosened the supports the night before the opening ceremony. The bridge held and carried traffic for the next 140 years. It was restored by the State of Maryland and in 1964 placed on the National Register of Historic Places. A new bridge built in 1933 carries Route 40 now and offers a good view of the old Casselman Bridge

Facts and Figures

Directions
Length: 80 feet
  • Take I-70 to exit 1.
  • Continue on I-68 west to exit 19.
  • Follow MD 495 north to Grantsville.
  • Take Alternate Route 40 east.
  • The Casselman Bridge is located near the Spruce Forest Artisans Village.

Map

References:

www.gcnet.net/gctourism/
www.mdisfun.org