In light of the winter hazards of transporting mail by ferryboat across the Potomac River between the District of Columbia and Jackson City, Virginia. President Jefferson signs legislation to construct a bridge. It opens in 1809 and, at one mile in length, it is the longest U.S. bridge when it opens. To pay for construction costs, it collects user tolls: one passenger on foot 6&1/4 cents or with horse 18&3/4 cents, wagons or coaches 100 cents, single horses or cattle 6&1/4 cents, sheep/pigs 3 cents each. During the War of 1812 American troops flee across the bridge to escape the British who burn Washington and the 14th St. departure gate. As the Civil War begins, Lincoln hires the Baltimore and Potomac railroad company to lay tracks to carry soldiers and armaments. He also sends troop to control the Virginia side tracks leading all the way to Alexandria. The view in the photo looks south from 14th street in DC.
Long Bridge across the Potomac
