Y-Bridge photograph   Save
Works Progress Administration, Ohio Guide Photographs
Description: This aerial view of the Y-Bridge in Zanesville, Ohio, shows its location at the confluence of the Muskingum and Licking rivers. The bridge, which connects Zanesville with Natchez and West Zanesville, is part of the historic National Road (Cumberland Road), the first federally planned and funded interstate highway. The National Road linked older eastern communities with the emerging frontier settlements of the Northwest Territory. From 1825 to 1838, the National Road was extended across Ohio. The first Y-Bridge was opened to the public in 1814 but collapsed into the river in 1818. A second, stronger bridge (1819-1832) was built on the same site, but it was condemned thirteen years later when twelve-inch-thick ice in the river weakened the superstructure. The third Y bridge (1832-1900) stood until 1900. On January 4, 1902, the fourth Y bridge (1902-1979) was opened for foot passengers. Ten days later, streetcars and wagons began to cross the bridge. In 1979, the fourth Y bridge was judged unsafe. A fifth bridge opened on November 9, 1984. The Y-Bridge is on the National Register of Historic Places. This image of the Y-Bridge was among the photographs produced by the Federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) between 1935 and 1943. One of the best-known WPA programs, the Federal Writers Project, published the American Guide Series, travel guides to the existing 48 states and for the District of Columbia. View on Ohio Memory.
Image ID: AL06389
Subjects: Bridges--Ohio; Cumberland Road--History; Transportation--Ohio--History; Zanesville (Ohio); United States. Work Progress Administration; National Register of Historic Places
Places: Zanesville (Ohio); Muskingum County (Ohio)