Welcome to Dunlap’s Creek Bridge, a marvel of engineering and a significant landmark in American history. Situated in Brownsville, Pennsylvania, this bridge is not just a crossing over a creek but a crossing into the annals of engineering innovation. Constructed between 1836 and 1839 under the guidance of Captain Richard Delafield of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, Dunlap’s Creek Bridge holds the distinction of being the first cast iron arch bridge in the United States. This groundbreaking structure was part of a larger federal effort to improve the National Road, a vital artery of commerce and travel in the early 19th century.
Before the iron bridge you see today, this site had witnessed three prior bridges, each succumbing to the elements or structural failure. The first two, built in timber, collapsed in 1808 and 1820, respectively. The third, a wooden structure, deteriorated by 1832, prompting the need for a more durable solution. Enter Captain Delafield, whose innovative use of cast iron and standardized, interchangeable parts not only solved the engineering challenges at hand but also set a new precedent for bridge construction.
The bridge spans 80 feet over Dunlap’s Creek, supported by five parallel tubular ribs made of nine elliptical cast iron segments. These rested on robust limestone and sandstone abutments, ensuring the bridge’s longevity. Remarkably, the bridge remains in use today and is recognized as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
Brownsville, once a bustling hub rivaling Pittsburgh, was integral to westward expansion. Positioned on the National Road, it was a crucial passage for travelers heading west. The bridge facilitated this movement, linking communities and supporting the growth of commerce.
As you stand here, imagine the early 19th-century travelers and traders who crossed this bridge, their wagons laden with goods, their eyes set on the horizon of opportunity. Captain Delafield’s foresight and the quality of construction have allowed this bridge to endure, making it a living testament to American industrial prowess and ambition.
As you continue your journey, take a moment to appreciate the ingenuity and resilience embodied by Dunlap’s Creek Bridge—an enduring link to our nation’s storied past.
