One of America’s Oldest Bridges Can Be Found in New York State

When you drive across this bridge, just know it was built around the time Lewis and Clark began their journey across America.

A recent survey of America's 8 oldest bridges has shined the national spotlight on the Empire State.

Union Bridge

Built in 1804, the Union Bridge is the nation's 8th oldest bridge and only one of the few still in continuous operation.

The structure can be found in the Capital Region, as it was built to connect Waterford to Lansingburgh. It is also the first bridge to be built across the Hudson River.

The bridge was originally approved for construction in 1800 and construction began in 1802 by Theodore Burr. The structure was cutting edge at its time because Burr used an all-new technique when constructing it.

The Union Bridge became the first structure in the United States to use a combined arch and truss technique, which made it sturdier and less wobbly than other bridges.

Historic relevance

On December 3, 1804, the bridge officially opened and a celebratory march took place across the structure. It should be noted the ceremony included a 17-gun salute to represent the 17 states that made up America at the time.

Read More: Utica's First School Opened 226 Years Ago. Where Is It Now?

It is said that at a celebratory feast of the bridge's opening, Burr toasted to the structure's longevity.

According to Structure Magazine, the architect said, "May the Union Bridge prove a lasting benefit to those who have borne the expense of building it."

The structure was so solid, it helped Burr patent his truss/arch pattern a few years later.

While the original wooden structure no longer stands, pieces of it are still incorporated into the historic landmark.

The bridge famously burned in 1909 and was rebuilt using steel. However, it was built upon the same piers that the original wooden bridge was built upon.

It's since been renamed the Troy-Waterford bridge.

Union Bridge was a toll bridge

It should be noted that it originally cost 18 cents for farmers to cross the wooden covered bridge back in the day. The toll was higher for "gentlemen's" wagons -- a whopping 25 cents.

Read More: Central NY Lawmakers Condemn NYS Thruway Toll Hikes

Sounds like a proverbial bargain compared to what we need to cough up nowadays.

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