Richmond and Petersburg Railroad Bridge, Railway bridge in Richmond, Virginia
The Richmond and Petersburg Railroad Bridge was a railway crossing that spanned the James River, connecting the two Virginia cities by rail. Its lattice truss design allowed it to support heavy freight and passenger cars while leaving room for river traffic underneath.
The bridge opened in 1838 as part of early Virginia railroad growth, becoming essential to regional commerce. During the Civil War's final days in 1865, soldiers destroyed it to cut off supply routes for advancing forces.
The name reflects the two cities the structure joined, and it became a landmark that shaped how commerce and people moved between them. Crossing it meant entering a different economic zone, which people experienced firsthand during their journeys.
Visitors can view the remaining structure and foundation from nearby vantage points along the James River. The site allows you to walk along the riverbank and see the engineering design from different angles.
Beyond its railroad purpose, the structure also allowed horses, carriages, and livestock to cross between the cities. This dual function made it a busier crossing than rail-only bridges of that era.
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