Potomac Creek Railroad Bridge (Second Generation)
The Potomac Creek Bridge was constructed in May 1862 by the United States Military Railroad Construction Corps. Built in an astonishing 40 hours under the direction of Union engineer Herman Haupt, the massive wooden trestle carried the United States Military Railroad supply line supporting the Army of the Potomac during the Peninsula Campaign. Rising roughly 80 feet high and stretching about 400 feet across Potomac Creek, it was assembled from timber cut from nearby forests and famously constructed without metal bolts. The bridge became a symbol of Union logistical ingenuity, demonstrating how rapid railroad construction gave Federal forces a crucial strategic advantage.
Lincoln walked over the famous “Beanpoles and Cornstalks Bridge” over Potomac Creek May 23, 1862.
By the time Lincoln returned on April 5, 1863, that one was replaced with the sturdier bridge using pre-stressed arches. During this visit Lincoln was accompanied by his wife, Mary Todd, and his son Tad.
