Caledonia Bowstring Bridge

The Caledonia Bowstring Bridge is a metal arch structure spanning the Olentangy River with distinctive curved members and vertical support elements. The design uses tubular sections for the arch chords and specially built-up vertical supports to carry the bridge's weight.

The structure was manufactured in 1873 by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company of Canton and originally spanned the Scioto River at a different location. It was later dismantled and relocated to Caledonia, where it now crosses the Olentangy River.

The bridge reflects how engineers of the 1800s solved the problem of crossing rivers with metal structures and new techniques. Today you can see the careful metalwork and the curved design that shows the craftsmanship of that era.

The bridge is currently closed to traffic and requires restoration work before it can be used again. Local organizations are working to integrate it into a non-motorized pathway system so pedestrians and cyclists can cross it in the future.

Of the many bowstring arch bridges that once existed in Ohio, only about 22 remain today in the state. This one stands out for its characteristic diagonal bracing with upturned ends, which is a distinctive feature of this construction method.