John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge (Covington and Cincinnati Suspension Bridge)
At the time of construction, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world at 1057 feet. The bridge was a predecessor to the Brooklyn Bridge designed and built in 1883 by Roebling. Construction began before the beginning of the Civil War, and pressure to complete it increased due to fears of the Confederate Army launching attacks on the north. A pontoon bridge was constructed to facilitate military traffic in the short term, but the Confederate threat accelerated the flow of money from investors into the private company.
Current OwnerCommonwealth of Kentucky
Historic StatusListed in NRHP on May 15, 1975
Unique FeaturesAlthough the streets of Cincinnati and Covington align, the bridge was deliberately constructed off the grid as dictated by the Ohio legislature in an attempt to maintain Cincinnati's preeminence over the cities in northern Kentucky. This decision would be regretted for years to come. Off-ramps from the bridge once connected the bridge to the Dixie Terminal for streetcars, and later buses, from Kentucky to access Cincinnati.
Original OwnerThe Covington and Cincinnati Bridge Company (a private company)
Completion Date1867
ArchitectJohn A. Roebling (Chief Engineer) Roebling also owned the wire company and the spinning machines that were used to create the steel suspension cables used on the bridge.
, Cincinnati, Ohio
Renovation History
1898 : Structural enhancement of the bridge to accomodate an urban railway.
ArchitectWilliam Hildenbrandt