Print Size: 24" x 36" (Frame Size: 24" x 36") Architect: Charles Ellet, Jr., Washington Roebling
The Wheeling Suspension Bridge is the oldest operating suspension bridge in the world and upon completion in 1849, it was also the longest (1010’ tower to tower). One of the great achievements of 19th century American engineering, it was the first bridge to span the mighty Ohio River, reinforcing Wheeling as a gateway on National Road, the first federal highway to connect the untapped resources of the Midwest with industrial centers in the East. The bridge is the result of a sensational rivalry between two prominent leaders of suspension engineering: Charles Ellet, Jr. and John Roebling (who later designed the Brooklyn Bridge, and who was called to complete the Niagara Bridge after Ellet was fired over a bitter financial dispute). Ellet prevailed at Wheeling in 1847 and after two years of construction, opened the bridge with great fanfare. On May 17, 1854 the Wheeling Bridge was destroyed – together with Ellet’s career – when a violent storm caused the deck to twist and rise almost to the height of the towers before the whole crashed into the river. The bridge was reconstructed in 1860 using the original stone to the same general appearance. A dozen years later it was “Roeblingized” by the addition of auxiliary cables according to a strengthening design by Washington Roebling, John’s son.
