Elm Grove Stone Arch Bridge

The Elm Grove Stone Arch Bridge is a three-span limestone bridge that crosses Little Wheeling Creek with a central arch and two smaller side arches supporting the roadway. The structure carries U.S. Route 40 traffic and displays the stone masonry work typical of early-1800s construction.

Moses Shepherd built this bridge in 1817 as part of the National Road project that connected eastern and western states. It remains the oldest surviving stone bridge in West Virginia.

The bridge carries the name Monument Place from a memorial that Moses Shepherd erected nearby in 1820 to honor House Speaker Henry Clay. This location is part of how the community chose to mark important figures in the landscape.

The bridge is accessible at any time since it continues to operate as an active roadway for U.S. Route 40 traffic. Visitors should be aware that this is a functioning travel route and appropriate safety precautions apply.

The structure received reinforcement with gunite spray in 1953 to strengthen it for modern traffic and extend its lifespan. This maintenance approach shows how historic bridges have been kept in service using innovative methods.

Location: West Virginia

Made from material: stone

GPS coordinates: 40.04358,-80.65876

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:02