Roebling Suspension Bridge in Cincinnati, Ohio is an Historic Landmark

The John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge is an historic bridge that spans the Ohio River between Cincinnati, Ohio and Covington, Kentucky. At the time of its construction, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. The bridge is named for its architect, John Roebling, who was also responsible for the design of the famous Brooklyn Bridge. The two structures resemble one another.

Plans for the bridge began in the 1840s, when it was decided that trade between Ohio and Kentucky could not continue without a permanent and sturdy form of transportation between the two states. Suspension bridges were new on the scene and had already been built over similar expanses. John A. Roebling was considered the premiere designer of these bridges.

In 1846, Roebling came up with a design that included a 1,200 foot span with a 100-foot clearance. For several reasons, the building of the bridge was delayed. Ferry boaters feared an obstruction of the waterway and a suspension bridge collapse in Tennessee kept the Covington and Cincinnati Bridge Company from raising enough money for the new project. However, the election in 1856 of a new, energetic trustee named Amos Shinkle brought new life to the project. Also, by this time, Roebling had gained an excellent reputation as a bridge architect. Digging for the foundation began later that year.

By the time the Civil War began in 1860, only part of the bridge was complete. All work ceased during most of the war years, partially to avoid the escape of slaves who could have traveled across the bridge from Kentucky into the free North. Construction began again in spring 1864 and the bridge was almost complete by late 1866. A grand opening occurred on Dec. 1 of that year even though the last few finishing touches weren't done until July 1867.

The final span measured 1,057 feet and was, at that time, the longest suspension bridge in the world. More than 166,000 people walked across on the first two days. A total of 10,361 wires were used in the construction of the Roebling Suspension Bridge and those wires were spun into two enormous cables. About 600,000 feet of oak lumber was laid across 300 wrought iron suspension beams.

Today, the bridge still plays an important role in getting commuters from one state to the other. It is also popular with pedestrian traffic and is often used by patrons of Cincinnati's sports arenas who travel to Northern Kentucky on foot after the games to partake of the night life in the district at the foot of the bridge known as Roebling Point.

The bridge was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 and designated a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1983. During that same year, the bridge's name was changed from the Cincinnati-Covington Suspension Bridge to the John A. Roebling Bridge in honor of its designer and builder.