Swing Bridge at New Bridge Landing

The Swing Bridge at New Bridge Landing is an iron structure that crosses the Hackensack River, linking Main Street with Old New Bridge Road in New Milford. The bridge operates through a mechanical rotation system that opens to allow river traffic to pass through.

General George Washington and his troops crossed a wooden bridge at this location during their retreat from Fort Lee in November 1776. The iron structure standing today was built in 1889 as a replacement for earlier wooden drawbridges that served the area.

The structure shows how the region depended on river crossings for commerce and movement between communities. This location marks an important connection that shaped how the area developed and grew.

The bridge is now open only to pedestrians and provides access to the historical site with nearby parking and information facilities. Visitors can walk around the area easily, and the riverside location makes orientation straightforward.

The bridge features a dual-opening mechanism that allowed both sides to swing outward, enabling river traffic to pass without blocking the entire waterway. This design was an efficient solution to manage both foot and boat traffic simultaneously.

Location: New Jersey

GPS coordinates: 40.91420,-74.03000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:44