The National Road
- US 40: Maryland
Jug Bridge Memorial
Park - Frederick
For over 130 years,
from 1808 to 1942, a very unique stone arch bridge carried everything from
horse and buggy, Civil War troops, and finally automobiles over the Monocacy
River just east of Frederick. Then suddenly, the bridge collapsed
into the river on March 3, 1942. The bridge consisted of two 65 foot
spans carried over four arches. The most unique feature of the Monocacy
Bridge was the jug shaped stone demijohn on the east banks of the Monocacy.
Years after the collapse of the bridge, the "jug" and a stone monument
to Marquis De LaFayette were moved to a park about two miles west of their
original location.
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Left Photo: The Monocacy
Bridge Jug sits at its new home at Jug Bridge Memorial Park in Frederick.
(Photo taken by Doug Kerr)
Right Photo: A closer view of the
top of the stone monument. (Photo Taken by Doug Kerr) |
(Doug Kerr)
The monument honoring
Revolutionary War hero, General LaFayette was placed by the Daughters of
the American Revolution in 1926. The Monocacy Bridge was where the
returning hero was greeted by Fredericktonians in December 1824.
The park is located
on MD 144 (old US 40) in Frederick. Take I-70 Exit 56 onto MD 144
West, the park will be on your right.
Continuing on the Trail:
Head West
to Middletown and Boonsboro
Return
to the National Road Photo Essay Index
Sources & Links:
Jug
Bridge @ route40.net ---Frank Brusca
US
40 @ MDRoads.com ---Mike Pruett
Doug Kerr
Page Created: February 26, 2006
Last Updated: May 21, 2006
(C) 2006 William Lawson