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All the United States Maryland Bollman Truss Bridge

Bollman Truss Bridge

This is the last surviving Bollman truss bridge in the world.

Savage, Maryland

Added By
Cruxall
A small trail leads to the river bank where the bottom of the bridge can be viewed   Cruxall / Atlas Obscura User
The bridge has many truss segments   Cruxall / Atlas Obscura User
The bridge when viewed from the road   Cruxall / Atlas Obscura User
Although the railroad line itself is blocked off, a walking path takes you through the bridge   Cruxall / Atlas Obscura User
  Cruxall / Atlas Obscura User
During its restoration in the 80s the bridge was painted red with embellished white markings   Cruxall / Atlas Obscura User
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About

This bright red colored bridge is one of the oldest iron bridges still standing in America, and the last of its specific kind in the world.

In 1850 Wendel Bollman invented the Bollman truss bridging system, the first such system to be constructed entirely of iron in America. Subsequently it saw wide spread adoption throughout the Baltimore and Ohio railroads, paving the way for the use of iron bridges during westward expansion. The design is distinctive for its use of both cast iron and wrought iron and a criss-crossed appearance.

This specific bridge was constructed in 1852 and moved to its present location in 1887. 

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Street parking is available.

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Cruxall

Published

April 22, 2026

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