Frog Bridge

The Thread City Crossing stretches 476 feet across the Willimantic River and features four brass frogs sitting atop concrete thread spools at each end.

Constructed in 2000 for 13 million dollars, this bridge replaced an 1857 stone arch structure that served the textile manufacturing community for generations.

The four brass frogs commemorate the 1754 incident when townspeople mistook fighting bullfrogs for supernatural screams during a severe drought.

The bridge carries South Street Route 661 over both the Willimantic River and the New England Central Railroad, connecting Routes 66 and 32.

Each of the four 11-foot brass frogs, named Manny, Willy, Windy, and Swifty, cost 50,000 dollars and features eyes covered in gold leaf.

GPS coordinates: 41.71000,-72.20940

Latest update: May 11, 2025 03:27