This is a single suspension bridge from the Bridgemeister historical inventory of suspension bridges.

1801: Jacob's Creek

Iron Bridge, Mount Pleasant vicinity, Pennsylvania, USA - Jacob's Creek
Bridgemeister ID:3 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1801
Name:Jacob's Creek
Also Known As:Iron Bridge, Chain Bridge
Location:Iron Bridge, Mount Pleasant vicinity, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Jacob's Creek
Coordinates:40.112598 N 79.553186 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Judge James Finley
References:AAJ, ASB, BBR, BOB, BPL, CAB, DSE20000116, HBE, LAB, PTS2
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed, 1833
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 21.3 meters (70 feet)
Deck width:12.5 feet

Notes:

  • In an email dated January 16, 2000, Don Sayenga provided information about the location of this bridge. Generally attributed to Uniontown (the seat of Fayette County, PA), Mr. Sayenga offers some clues about the bridge's true location. "[James Finley] stated that he built it near the home of his friend Meason which implies a connection for the iron as Meason was making iron. Meason's home has survived by the way, a beautiful place. Finley stated it was a combination contract with the cost split between two counties, and he stated it was built over Jacob's Creek which is the county boundary. He also makes it clear it was on the road to Greensburg. The only place the old road crossed Jacob's Creek is just south of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. On the geodetic survey maps this spot is marked "Iron Bridge" but there is no town there. The last time I was there I saw a sign that said 'Iron Bridge' on an automobile scrap yard. I found absolutely no trace of the bridge, but it was not very big, so there was no need for a huge abutment."
  • First suspension bridge with a rigid level deck, often considered the world's first modern suspension bridge.
  • Coordinates are for the likely location of the bridge, where present-day (2020) Pennsylvania route 3105 crosses Jacob's Creek.

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Find bridges within of this bridge's location (40.112598 N 79.553186 W)

Do you have any information or photos about this bridge that you would like to share? Please email david.denenberg@bridgemeister.com.


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