Bollman Truss Railroad Bridge

The Bollman Truss Railroad Bridge is an iron railroad bridge that crosses the Little Patuxent River in Savage, constructed from wrought iron and cast iron elements. The structure displays the characteristic red oxide coloring with ivory accents that are visible across its metal framework.

The bridge was originally built in 1869 and then relocated in 1887, demonstrating its structure as adaptable to changing needs. It served as the model for numerous railroad bridges built across America from 1850 to 1875, establishing its importance in the history of rail construction.

The bridge serves as a local landmark that represents community pride in early engineering innovation and regional industrial heritage. Visitors and residents view it as a symbol of the valley's development during the era when metal construction changed how Americans built infrastructure.

The bridge is now part of the Savage Mill Trail and can be crossed by pedestrians to traverse the Little Patuxent River. The path provides a good opportunity to observe the metal construction and its details from close range.

This is the last remaining example of the Bollman suspension truss system, which allowed bridges to be disassembled and moved to new locations. This flexibility was revolutionary for its time and explains why this design became so widespread before newer methods replaced it.

Location: Howard County

Inception: 1869

Length: 48.8 m

Made from material: wrought iron

GPS coordinates: 39.13470,-76.82530

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:57