By: Heather Adams
Photo Credit: David W. Longendyke
Location: Kingston, NY
Time Period: 1921 - 2021
The crowd waited with anticipation while American flags blew from the approach of the new Kingston-Port Ewen Bridge. Moments later, a member of each Rondout Creek community shook hands signifying the first bridged connection on Wurts Street. The turnout for the dedication ceremony was a huge success with Kingston’s Mayor, Palmer Canfield Jr., and New York Governor, Nathan L. Miller present. Current and former Highway Commissioners attended—Herbert Sisson and Colonel Frederick Greene, respectively—along with a crowd of ten thousand excited people(1). Though it would still be several months before the bridge would officially allow motorists to cross it, the enthusiastic energy at the dedication ceremony was a positive premonition for the future of transportation.
For nearly fifty years, travelers begged for an alternative route to pass over the Rondout Creek. Prior to the now century-old suspension bridge, the only way to cross directly between Kingston and Port Ewen was by taking a chain ferry. Infamously known to users as “Skillypot” (from the Dutch word “schildpad” for a variety of terrapin), the chain ferry was slow, unreliable and, more importantly, outdated(2). With the rise in popularity of automobiles, it was common for motorists to wait several hours to cross the creek. Finally in 1916, the people’s voices were heard; the New York State Highway Commission approved the building of a suspension bridge. Unfortunately, because of political and financial difficulties as well as material shortages caused by World War I, construction did not begin until 1920 and lasted for about a year(3).
The opening of the Kingston-Port Ewen Bridge was a significant feat in New York history. This bridge symbolized the inevitable change the United States would have to make for the increased popularity of automobiles. Following the west bank of the Hudson River, the bridge was also essentially the final connection in the state’s first direct highway system between New York City and Albany(4). Gone were the days of unproductive waiting around for the chain ferry to take passengers across the Rondout Creek. Now travelers crossed the 1,145ft from Port Ewen to Kingston faster than ever and for the first time, at their own convenience(5). If the ten-thousand-person turnout for the dedication ceremony did not speak enough volume for the excitement surrounding this suspension bridge, then perhaps its century-long legacy has.
November 2021 will mark the centennial anniversary since the formal dedication of the Kingston-Port Ewen Bridge. The opening ceremony dedication was a huge celebration which included dinner in the State Armory at Kingston followed by a parade and fireworks(6). Sadly, there will not be a celebration this time around. In September of 2020, the Department of Transportation condemned the bridge due to its poorly maintained structure. However, there is still good news for those appreciative of this local history. In October of 2021 began an approximately $44.6 million rehabilitation project. At the projected completion in 2023, the Kingston-Port Ewen Bridge is expected to welcome pedestrians and cyclists to and from both Rondout Creek communities once again(7).
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