The History of the Walnut Street Bridge
Dear Hamilton,
The Walnut Street Bridge is one of my favorite spots in Chattanooga. I love taking walks across the bridge all year-round, and its views of the river and the city simply can’t be beat! It’s no doubt a historic structure, but I was wondering if you could tell me more about how this bridge came to be?
Sincerely,
Wondering on the Walking Bridge
Dear Wondering on the Walking Bridge,
I’m glad you asked! The Walnut Street Bridge is an iconic part of Chattanooga’s landscape and its history, and I share your appreciation for all this site offers. Built over a century ago, the bridge has certainly stood the test of time – but not without a little help along the way.
The Walnut Street Bridge was built by the Smith Bridge Company in 1890, becoming the city’s first non-military bridge. It was designed by architect Edwin Thacher in a style known as Pennsylvania truss, which is characterized by diagonal braces that create a series of triangles, and is a durable design well-suited to support the bridge’s long span. The bridge initially served horse-drawn wagons and pedestrians and was significant in increasing access to the north shore of the Tennessee River. It would later accommodate motor traffic and connect commuters for decades to come.
In 1978, however, the bridge would close due to safety reasons concerning its structural integrity. It was originally planned to be demolished and replaced, however, a community campaign to preserve the historic bridge and renovate it for pedestrian use soon came to life. This effort was met with widespread support, and a committee was formed to study the bridge’s structural soundness and restoration costs to determine whether preserving the bridge was possible.
Thankfully, they concluded it was. Restoration began in 1991 and two years later, the Walnut Street Bridge reopened to foot traffic. At 2,376 feet – that’s nearly half a mile! – the bridge remains one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world to this day as it connects pedestrians from downtown to the Northshore neighborhood and these areas’ many attractions.
Over the years, the Walnut Street Bridge has been joined by three other bridges near downtown. The Chief John Ross Bridge, commonly known as Market Street Bridge, was completed in 1917 and has also received renovations to keep its historic structure standing strong. Both Market Street Bridge and Walnut Street Bridge are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the two have become inseparable features of the riverfront with their matching blue steel beams. The next, and largest, addition was the P.R. Olgiati Bridge, which was built in 1959 and now routes the eight-lane US 27 highway. Lastly, Veterans Memorial Bridge joined this trio in 1984, distinguished by its rows of flying American flags.
Today, the Walnut Street Bridge is the oldest and largest surviving truss bridge in the South. It has seen Chattanooga through many an era and provides front-row seats to rich local history as well as stunning views of the Tennessee River and Chattanooga’s skyline. The bridge is a popular destination for locals and tourists who share your love for this landmark and provides a backdrop for casual strolls, morning runs, and many special memories.
Make sure to pay the bridge plenty of visits in the coming months, as it will soon be closed to through traffic for a year’s worth of updates and repairs to ensure it stays strong and standing for years to come.
Hope this helps!
Hamilton Bush
Resident History Hound
Chattanooga, TN
