Casselman Bridge, one of the most important stone arch bridges

The Casselman River Bridge stands in Garrett County, Maryland, but its large arch and beautiful stone construction make it look like a medieval masterpiece. It also seems oddly out of scale for the rather small river it crosses, leaving many travelers to wonder what the context and history of the beautiful bridge.

I flyfish occasionally on the Casseeman River in the shadow of the bridge (both literally and figuratively) and cannot help marvel at it size, construction, and beauty.

Among the oldest surviving bridges in the country is this magnificent stone arch bridge that was built during the the time of the War of 1812! At the time it was built it was a monumental engineering achievement for the United States and it was the longest single span bridge in the country. The bridge was part of the National Road. If Route 66 is considered the mother road, than the National Road would be the father road. It was the main route to travel west past the Appalachians, and as such was a critical transportation feature for the early United States. This bridge stands today as a major remnant of that roadway. As an arch bridge of any construction date, the 80 foot long, 30 foot high span is very impressive and noteworthy. The span length, combined with the bridge's construction date, makes this one of the most important stone arch bridges in the country. The Casselman Bridge is listed as a National Historic Landmark, which is a distinction that very few bridges have earned. The bridge has been preserved in place for pedestrian use in a park setting. US-40, the modern equivalent of the National Road, runs on modern alignment just south of this bridge.

We are truly bleaased with scenic natural and man made beauty in the Tri State area. The Casselamn River Bridge is one structure often overlooked, that is worth a visit.

Photo complements of frequent Town Planner contributor Alexandra Miller of Grantsville, MD

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