Old Castleman River Bridge - Grantsville, Md
N 39° 41.805 W 079° 08.620
17S E 659159 N 4395747
The Casselman River Bridge was constructed in 1813 on the National Road just east of Grantsville, Md. It is now bypassed by U.S. 40 and is now only open to foot traffic.
Waymark Code: WMGD5M
Location: Maryland, United States
Date Posted: 02/17/2013
Views: 8
From Maryland: A Guide to the Old Line State:
"US 40 crosses the Castleman River, 24.7 m. Old Castleman River Bridge, still used for a side road, was considered the largest of its kind in the country when it was built in 1816. Many persons doubted that the masonry would stand up when the supporting framework was removed. According to local tradition even the contractor was worried and on the night before the formal opening he had his workmen remove the framework to see if it would collapse."
Please note: in some places, you may see the Casselman River spelled Castleman. Both spelling are used interchangeably. The River was named for Jacob Casselman, but was commonly misspelled as Castleman such that either is considered correct today. The river, a tributary of the Youghiogeny, was referred to as the Little Youghiogeny until Mr. Casselman settled in the area.
From the informational sign posted by the Spruce Forest Artisan Village:
"When built in 1813, this structure was the longest single-span stone bridge in America. The high arch was designed to facilitate riverboat traffic on the proposed C & O Canal. However, due to the emerging railroad industry in the nineteenth century, the C & O Canal was never extended beyond Cumberland, Md.
Restored in 1911, the Casselman Bridge is now listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. It has become a world renowned tourist attraction, a delight to photographers and art exhibitions.
The bridge is the oldest of three bridges which span the Casselman River at Little Crossings. The three bridges tell the region's story of transportation, settlement and development"
From the Maryland Historical Marker that used to stand nearby:
"Erected in 1813 by David Shriver, Jr., Sup't of the Cumberland Rd (the National Road). This 80 foot span was the largest stone arch in America at the time. It was continuously used from 1813 to 1933."