Bollman Iron Truss Bridge

Not only is the Bollman Truss Railroad Bridge a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, but it was the first structure ever to get this designation! It is considered one of the most important historic bridges in the country. This is because it is the last remaining Bollman truss, even though over one hundred Bollman Truss Bridges were built between 1850 and 1875, mostly along the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.

The design of the Bollman Truss Bridge was patented in 1852 by Wendel Bollman. It was one of the first bridge types to be constructed entirely out of iron, instead of wood which was more difficult to construct out of and was vulnerable to decay. The Bollman truss could be built relatively quickly and inexpensively, which allowed new rail lines to be built over long distances and in short periods of time. In addition, the Bollman Truss has a very unusual and distinctive design. It features diagonals along the span that vary in length and typically originate at an end post. This allows the bridge to function similarly to the modern cable-stayed bridge.

This particular Bollman Truss Bridge was built in 1869 as part of the B&O mainline, although the exact location is unknown. It was used until circa 1887, when the increasing weight of trains required that the bridge be replaced. Fortunately, this bridge was moved to an industrial spur line, instead of being demolished like the rest of the Bollman Truss Bridges. It operated until 1947, when the Savage textile factory closed, and the industrial spur was no longer required.

The bridge was abandoned and sat derelict until it was “rediscovered” in the early 1960s. At this point it was made the focal point of local preservation efforts. In 1966, it was designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, and from 1982-1984, the bridge was restored back to its original glory. In 2000, there was additional preservation work done.