Information
Landmark: Casselman River Bridge State ParkCity: Hagerstown
Country: USA Maryland
Continent: North America
Casselman River Bridge State Park, Hagerstown, USA Maryland, North America
Overview
Just outside Grantsville in Garrett County, Maryland, Casselman River Bridge State Park holds the Casselman Bridge-a graceful stone arch from the early 1800s, its weathered blocks a lasting tribute to America’s early feats in engineering and infrastructure, after that built between 1813 and 1814, the bridge became a vital link in the National Road-the first federally funded highway-carrying wagons west and opening innovative paths for trade across the growing United States.The Casselman Bridge was built to span the wide, rushing Casselman River, making it possible for wagons, stagecoaches, and freight teams to cross the rugged mountain country with safety and speed, as well as when it was finished, it stood as the longest single-span stone arch bridge in the nation, stretching roughly 80 feet across the river and lifting about 30 feet above the shimmering water below.David Shriver Jr, a skilled civil engineer from Cumberland, Maryland, oversaw the bridge’s construction, watching each stone set firmly into region, then the bridge, built from massive cut sandstone blocks, carries astonishingly heavy loads with ease, its semicircular arch channeling the weight evenly like water flowing through a smooth curve.As it turns out, They made it longer than it needed to be, expecting the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal to pass underneath-though that plan, like the sound of water that never came, was abandoned before it began, in addition when the wooden centering-the temporary support during construction-was finally taken down, the townspeople cheered as the bridge held steady, its stone arches gleaming in the sun, a remarkable feat for its time.In a way, For more than a hundred years, Casselman Bridge carried wagons, traders, and weary travelers along the National Road, connecting the eastern states to the expanding western frontier, on top of that it could carry massive 10-ton loads, hauled by teams of twelve horses whose hooves kicked up clouds of dust, making it vital for trade and long journeys.In 1933, a sleek steel bridge rose nearby to carry U, alternatively s.Route 40, its sparkling beams gleaming in the sun-a sign of how far transportation had come, simultaneously in 1953, officials shut the Casselman Bridge to cars, hoping to protect its aging stone arches.Truthfully, In 1957, Maryland honored the bridge’s rich history and striking stonework by naming it-and the quiet stretch of river around it-Casselman River Bridge State Park, as a result in 1964, officials named the bridge a National Historic Landmark, and two years later it earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places-proof of its value as a carefully preserved piece of early American roadwork, with weathered stone still bearing the marks of decades of discover.The state park spreads across about four acres around the bridge, where visitors can picnic under shady trees, stroll along winding trails, and fish in the clear waters of the Casselman River, not only that in the park, a quiet river winds through a valley hemmed in by wooded hills, its stillness set against the bridge’s towering stone arches.Right next to the park sits the Spruce Forest Artisan Village, a historic cluster of weathered log cabins and bustling workshops where local artisans fire clay pots, hammer glowing iron, and carve smooth wood into intricate shapes, alternatively in this village, visitors step into the bridge’s transportation past and discover how it weaves into the wider story of 19th-century Appalachian life, from wagon wheels creaking on wooden planks to the hum of daily trade.As of mid-2025, the Casselman Bridge stands quiet and empty, closed to foot traffic while crews address safety issues, therefore recent inspections found structural problems-cracks snaking through the stonework, gaps where grout should be, and a few stones knocked loose-all putting the bridge’s stability at risk.The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is launching a full restoration and repair effort to keep the bridge strong and sound, all while guarding its historic charm and the weathered stone that gives it character, subsequently workers will use specialized masonry to steady and mend the sandstone arch, fix drainage so rainwater doesn’t pool, and strengthen the foundation.The goal is to safeguard the bridge so it lasts for future generations, then open it again for visitors to cross safely, hearing the river rush beneath their feet, moreover although the bridge is closed for now, the park still draws history buffs, photographers snapping shots of its weathered beams, anglers, and families spreading blankets for a picnic.The Casselman River drifts quietly past wooded slopes, its surface catching bits of sunlight, and together they offer a calm area to enjoy the outdoors while pondering early American transportation, on top of that take a stroll through the Spruce Forest Artisan Village and discover the region’s culture and craftsmanship, from the scent of fresh wood shavings to the intricate handwoven baskets.Several times a year, the village comes alive with workshops, hands-on demos, and lively gatherings that honor the region’s Appalachian roots, from banjo tunes drifting through the square to baskets woven by local artisans, to boot if you’re planning a visit, check the Maryland Department of Natural Resources website or call park staff ahead of time to perceive whether the bridge is open and what restrictions might be in area during the restoration work-think scaffolding, fresh paint, and detour signs.Casselman River Bridge State Park protects one of America’s earliest, most impressive feats of engineering-a towering single-span stone arch that once carried the National Road, the nation’s first major federal highway, across the river’s steady rush, alternatively with its weathered stone arches, peaceful river views, and rich history, the bridge anchors a park that offers a vivid glimpse into how transportation grew and America pushed west in the early 1800s.Though the park’s closed for restoration, its rolling green hills and the nearby artisan village still draw visitors with a blend of outdoor adventure and Maryland’s Appalachian heritage.
Author: Tourist Landmarks
Date: 2025-10-06
