Newkirk Viaduct Monument

The Newkirk Viaduct Monument is a marble obelisk standing by the Schuylkill River that honors 51 people involved in building an important railroad bridge. The structure displays these names carved into its surface as a record of those who contributed to this major infrastructure project.

The obelisk was designed in 1839 by Thomas Ustick Walter to mark the completion of a new railroad connection that linked Philadelphia to other regions. This monument reflects the railroad expansion of the 19th century, when this transportation transformed American cities and commerce.

The monument carries the names of people who made the railroad bridge possible, showing how important this connection was to the city at that time. These inscribed names represent those whose work shaped the region's development.

The monument sits near the Schuylkill River Trail, making it easy to reach while exploring the riverside. The location works well as a stopping point to see the historic bridge structures and the river landscape.

The monument was built using marble blocks that were transported across the very railroad bridge it was built to celebrate. This connection shows how the infrastructure and its memorial were linked from the start.

Location: Philadelphia

Inception: 1838

Creator: Thomas Ustick Walter

Made from material: marble

Website: http://newkirkmonument.org

GPS coordinates: 39.94005,-75.20632

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:26