Richmond and Petersburg Railroad Bridge, Railway bridge in Richmond, Virginia
The Richmond and Petersburg Railroad Bridge extended 2,844 feet across the James River with a lattice truss design and 60-foot clearance above water.
Built in 1838, the bridge served as a critical Confederate supply line until troops destroyed it in 1865 to prevent Union forces from advancing.
The bridge's passenger fares in 1853 reflected social structures, with different pricing tiers established for different demographic groups crossing the James River.
The structure connected Richmond to Petersburg, enabling the transport of cotton, coal, mail, and passengers between the two commercial centers.
The bridge permitted not only rail traffic but also accommodated horse riders, carriages, and livestock crossing between Richmond and Manchester.
Location: Virginia
Official opening: 1838
GPS coordinates: 37.53194,-77.44361
Latest update: March 10, 2025 07:43
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