(animated stereo) 1837 RR bridge abutment (1 of 6)
History
During the American revolution the Pawlings farm was an important site adjacent to the Valley Forge encampment. Situated near one of two fords (Pawlings and Fatback) across the Schuylkill river, it provided important access to the site as well as an avenue for retreat through Shannonville in Providence township. The National Park Service discusses the importance of the Perkiomen Peninsula and the Pawling Farm on their website. The ford was not considered safe because a slight rise in river level made it dangerous or impassable. Pawling's was made more useful by a ferry which existed until 1806 or later. The first permanent bridge, an early chain suspension bridge, was constructed circa 1810 but destroyed by ice in 1820. Subsequent structures weren't as ambitious. By 1825 improvements to upstream locks and dams made the river passable by passenger boats from Reading down to Pawling's bridge. The 1830s saw expansion of the railroads. This 1837 bridge abutment is contemporaneous with growth of the Philadelphia & Reading railroad in the area where it connected with the Perkiomen railroad.
Further Information
A oral history account identifies the area as "Beantown" after the family owning much of the land (see Laura's inteview)
Read an 1809 description of the proposed Finley chain bridge
A 3-span girder bridge was planned for 1912 construction
(animated stereo) 1837 RR bridge abutment (1 of 6)
History
During the American revolution the Pawlings farm was an important site adjacent to the Valley Forge encampment. Situated near one of two fords (Pawlings and Fatback) across the Schuylkill river, it provided important access to the site as well as an avenue for retreat through Shannonville in Providence township. The National Park Service discusses the importance of the Perkiomen Peninsula and the Pawling Farm on their website. The ford was not considered safe because a slight rise in river level made it dangerous or impassable. Pawling's was made more useful by a ferry which existed until 1806 or later. The first permanent bridge, an early chain suspension bridge, was constructed circa 1810 but destroyed by ice in 1820. Subsequent structures weren't as ambitious. By 1825 improvements to upstream locks and dams made the river passable by passenger boats from Reading down to Pawling's bridge. The 1830s saw expansion of the railroads. This 1837 bridge abutment is contemporaneous with growth of the Philadelphia & Reading railroad in the area where it connected with the Perkiomen railroad.
Further Information
A oral history account identifies the area as "Beantown" after the family owning much of the land (see Laura's inteview)
Read an 1809 description of the proposed Finley chain bridge
A 3-span girder bridge was planned for 1912 construction