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From Our Back Pages: The Chain Bridge

Post Published: July 29, 2011


The first bridge to cross the Potomac in the Washington area was constructed in 1797 when Georgetown merchants built the “Falls Bridge” at the “Little Falls.”

The bridge was built to replace ferry service and was primarily used to drive cattle across to the Georgetown auction markets after the cattle had drunk heavily at Pimmit Run.

There have been eight bridges built on this site.  The original one was a covered wooden structure that collapsed in 1804, and the second was destroyed by floods after only 6 months. In 1810, a third bridge was constructed that was truly a “Chain Bridge,” the name by which all subsequent bridges have been known.

Read more about how the Chain Bridge got its name on Our Back Pages

July 29, 2011 by Web Editor

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Charlie Clark Center for Local History: Where Stories Live


Link to blog post.

Appreciating Arlington Educator Katherine Mosley Ross


Link to blog post.

Sharing the Love: Edmond and Alice Fleet


Photo of Ms. and Mr. Bozman.

Ellen M. Bozman at 100


A group of eight people stands together on a small stage in front of large windows, smiling at the camera. They hold two framed items—one is a historical document with maps and text, and the other is a framed portrait of a bearded man. Colorful blue, green, and yellow balloons decorate the space above them, celebrating Glencarlyn Library's 101st birthday.

Glencarlyn Library’s 101st Birthday


Read more blog posts from the Center for Local History


Charlie Clark Center for Local History


The Charlie Clark Center for Local History (CCCLH) collects, preserves, and shares resources that illustrate Arlington County’s history, diversity and communities. Librarians and archivists develop collections of unique research material and make them available for use by residents, students, teachers, genealogists, scholars, authors, journalists and anyone interested in learning more about Arlington County.

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