The Mountain State is home to many, many bridges that help us get from here to there with relative ease. From charming covered bridges to footbridges with amazing views, these water crossings are loaded with history. But none in West Virginia is more noteworthy than the Wheeling Suspension Bridge. This structure once held the title of the largest suspension bridge in the world and today is the nation’s oldest vehicular suspension bridge still in use. Let’s learn a bit about the world’s largest suspension bridge in West Virginia, shall we?
Please note: the Wheeling Suspension Bridge is currently closed to traffic for renovations; however, it remains a fascinating place to admire and learn about!
The Wheeling Suspension Bridge was originally built spanning the main channel of the Ohio River in 1849. This bridge became the very first to provide a crossing of the Ohio River and of any major river west of the Appalachian Mountains.
TripAdvisor/Mrspinney
The original bridge was destroyed by a tornado just five years after it was constructed. The bridge was rebuilt in 1856 and the towers, anchorage housings, and island approach are the original stone structures.
Flickr/Mike
From 1849 - 1851, the Wheeling Suspension Bridge held the title of the world’s largest suspension bridge. It was designed by Charles Ellet Jr. who also took part in the design of the Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge.
Wikipedia/Jack Boucher
Because the bridge was constructed during the good old days of horse and buggies, there are weight limits and traffic restrictions for today’s modern use.
TripAdvisor/Locustgod
Only automobiles and pedestrians may use the bridge. A weight limit of two tons has been imposed and vehicle separation requirements apply.
TripAdvisor/Locustgod
The Wheeling Suspension Bridge is the nation’s oldest vehicular suspension bridge still in use today. The bridge celebrates its 170th birthday this year!
TripAdvisor/3MG1949
The bridge was designated a National Historic Landmark on National Historic Landmark on May 15, 1975. It’s one of the few bridges that have been given this high honor of distinction.
Flickr/caryn74
Have you ever driven or walked across world’s largest suspension bridge in West Virginia? Did you know WV had such a cool claim to fame?
TripAdvisor/Mrspinney
Flickr/Mike
Wikipedia/Jack Boucher
TripAdvisor/Locustgod
TripAdvisor/3MG1949
Flickr/caryn74
If you are a Mountain State bridge hunter, you’ll also want to check out these 10 amazing bridges.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Wheeling Suspension Bridge, Wheeling, WV 26003, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
world’s largest suspension bridge in West Virginia July 31, 2022 Sarah M. What are some other iconic bridges in West Virginia? While the Wheeling Suspension Bridge in West Virginia once held the title of the world’s largest suspension bridge, it’s not the only iconic bridge in the Mountain State. Ever seen the New River Bridge? It’s legendary! The New River has been a designated National River since the 1970s; and in December 2020, New River Gorge was re-designated from a National River to a National Park and Preserve. This river defines one of the most resplendent – and oft-overlooked – regions in the country. The New River National Park and Preserve was the first addition to the National Park system since 2018, and it is the only Park and Preserve combination in the contiguous U.S. The river is the face of the park, with its New River Gorge Bridge providing the most awe-inspiring welcome to visitors. It’s the longest single-span arched bridge in the nation, stretching 1,700 jaw-dropping feet. In total, the National Park portion of New River Gorge spans over 7,000 acres, and the river is the heart and soul of it all; 320 miles of rushing and roaring grandeur that’s wholly wild and wonderful – just like the Mountain State herself.
The OIYS Visitor Center
world’s largest suspension bridge in West Virginia
July 31, 2022
Sarah M.
What are some other iconic bridges in West Virginia? While the Wheeling Suspension Bridge in West Virginia once held the title of the world’s largest suspension bridge, it’s not the only iconic bridge in the Mountain State. Ever seen the New River Bridge? It’s legendary! The New River has been a designated National River since the 1970s; and in December 2020, New River Gorge was re-designated from a National River to a National Park and Preserve. This river defines one of the most resplendent – and oft-overlooked – regions in the country. The New River National Park and Preserve was the first addition to the National Park system since 2018, and it is the only Park and Preserve combination in the contiguous U.S. The river is the face of the park, with its New River Gorge Bridge providing the most awe-inspiring welcome to visitors. It’s the longest single-span arched bridge in the nation, stretching 1,700 jaw-dropping feet. In total, the National Park portion of New River Gorge spans over 7,000 acres, and the river is the heart and soul of it all; 320 miles of rushing and roaring grandeur that’s wholly wild and wonderful – just like the Mountain State herself.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
While the Wheeling Suspension Bridge in West Virginia once held the title of the world’s largest suspension bridge, it’s not the only iconic bridge in the Mountain State. Ever seen the New River Bridge? It’s legendary! The New River has been a designated National River since the 1970s; and in December 2020, New River Gorge was re-designated from a National River to a National Park and Preserve. This river defines one of the most resplendent – and oft-overlooked – regions in the country. The New River National Park and Preserve was the first addition to the National Park system since 2018, and it is the only Park and Preserve combination in the contiguous U.S. The river is the face of the park, with its New River Gorge Bridge providing the most awe-inspiring welcome to visitors. It’s the longest single-span arched bridge in the nation, stretching 1,700 jaw-dropping feet. In total, the National Park portion of New River Gorge spans over 7,000 acres, and the river is the heart and soul of it all; 320 miles of rushing and roaring grandeur that’s wholly wild and wonderful – just like the Mountain State herself.
