History of the Willimantic Foot Bridge
When driving through Willimantic, it is almost impossible to miss the Frog Bridge, which intersects Main Street and crosses the Willimantic River. Decorated with giant spools of thread and metal frogs, it serves as a symbol of the city’s history (see American Thread Company and The Battle of the Frogs). However, the Frog Bridge also dwarfs another historic landmark located only a few hundred feet away: the Willimantic Foot Bridge. If not for the other bridge in such close proximity, the Foot Bridge would likely be more well-known and have more pedestrian traffic.
In 1849, the railroad running through Willimantic was constructed. This railroad supported the growth in industry and population within the city for the following decades, facilitating the travel of raw materials and finished goods in and out of the state. After this boom began, the morning walk to work in the factories along the river had become more difficult, as the railways were a new obstacle to pass. The new footbridge would have diverted traffic and increased safety; citizens could now walk the elevated path instead of crossing the rails.
The idea of building an elevated walking bridge appeared in the Hartford Courant in 1890, as the need for a new walking route became abundantly clear. However, the bridge remained on paper and in meetings for nearly twenty years before construction. This postponing of building was largely related to economics - any large infrastructure would come with a cost that could become a burden to the wage laborers inhabiting the city. The bridge was so controversial that it was reported to have swayed the results of an election in 1905 - the losing candidate had firmly backed the foot bridge, which was expected to cost $12,500 dollars out of the $80,000 dollar budget, the second most expensive item.
Nonetheless, the bridge was built and completed in 1907. Some citizens must have been excited to finally see the bridge completed; its repeated discussion marks that it was a long-term desire of many, despite hesitation about costs. According to the Hartford Courant, when the bridge first opened in November, thousands of people visited to cross it during the day and evening.
The Foot Bridge became necessary to connect the major commercial center of town along Main Street to the residential zone south of the Willimantic River. This can be seen in the Sanborn Map from 1908; the foot bridge is in the red section #13, while a detail of the 1908 Sanborn sheet illustrates it crossing the river and railroad tracks.
This civic improvement is a prime example of twentieth century Progressivism - trying to increase the function of the city for its inhabitants. The Foot Bridge also blends many aspects of the city, connecting residential and commercial zones stretching over the industrial railroad. Further, the bridge itself is certainly a product of industrialization, as it is constructed of steel and bolts. At the same time, crossing the bridge evokes feelings of rurality - the river and greenery remind people of the rural areas surrounding Willimantic.
Today, the Willimantic Foot Bridge stands at 8 feet wide and 635 feet long; it boasts being “the longest footbridge of its kind east of the Mississippi,” crossing over a railroad track, road, and river. It was built in multiple angled segments of steel trusses by the Owego Bridge Company of NY, giving it its unique structure, seen below.
Today, the Foot Bridge blends into its surroundings, closely bordered by two buildings - a small plaque dictating its significance is obscured in shadow under a tree. It is not as much of a focal point as when it was first erected; this difference can be clearly seen when viewing old postcards of the bridge; you can even see how the bridge functioned as a social meeting place- you can imagine conversing with a neighbor as you cross the bridge together after shopping. The Foot Bridge is listed under the National Register of Historic Places and is a must see to experience a piece of Willimantic History.
It also happens to be one of my favorite spots to visit… crossing the bridge from Main Street replaces the sounds of traffic and business with running water and rustling leaves. I usually can’t resist touching a few of the many locks fixed to the fence, like a less populated Pont des Arts.