Virginia Street Bridge

Virginia Street Bridge is a road bridge with two concrete arches spanning the Truckee River in downtown Reno, connecting the city's northern and southern areas. The structure features solid stone piers and a wide pedestrian path that allows walkers to see the river below.

The original bridge was built in 1905 to replace wooden structures that had repeatedly suffered flood damage. In 2016, it underwent complete reconstruction to better handle flooding while keeping its historic appearance intact.

The bridge became known as a place where divorced people would cast their wedding rings into the river below as a symbol of freedom and new beginnings. This custom turned it into a meaningful landmark in Reno's social life.

The crossing accommodates both vehicles and pedestrians comfortably, with good sightlines along the bridge. It functions as a central downtown crossing point, and the wide pedestrian path is accessible and easy to navigate at any time of day.

The bridge was featured in several films, including the 1939 classic 'Reno' and 1961's 'The Misfits', both capturing the city's divorce culture. These movies brought attention to the location and its distinctive role in American cinema.

Location: Nevada

Architects: John B. Leonard

GPS coordinates: 39.52500,-119.81250

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:24