Fort Henry Bridge

The Fort Henry Bridge is a tied-arch bridge spanning the Ohio River in Wheeling, connecting Wheeling Island with mainland West Virginia. The structure carries four traffic lanes and is supported by two large steel arches that rise prominently above the water.

The bridge opened in 1955 as a major infrastructure project for Wheeling, significantly improving connections between the island and mainland areas. Its construction represented an important engineering achievement for the region during the mid-twentieth century.

The bridge name connects to Patrick Henry, who served as governor of Virginia Territory during the American Revolutionary period.

Visitors can cross the bridge on foot or by vehicle and enjoy views of the Ohio River and surrounding landscape while doing so. The best vantage points are from the bridge ends, where you can see the arches clearly and observe the river activity below.

The bridge foundation extends deep beneath the river surface and anchors directly into bedrock for maximum stability. This deep anchoring allows the structure to withstand the strong currents and water movements of the Ohio River.

Location: West Virginia

GPS coordinates: 40.07190,-80.72750

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:53