Wanakena Footbridge Explained

Wanakena Footbridge
Location:Over Oswegatchie R., bet. Front St. and South Shore Rd. Fine, New York, U.S.
Coordinates:44.1331°N -74.9217°W
Built:1902
Architecture:Suspension bridge
Added:August 19, 1999
Area:less than one acre
Delisted:May 3, 2016
Refnum:99001001

The Wanakena Footbridge was a pedestrian suspension bridge located at Wanakena in St. Lawrence County, New York. It was constructed in 1902 and spanned the Oswegatchie River. It was originally constructed to provide a crossing for the employees of the Rich Lumber Company to reach the no longer extant mills.[1]

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. In 2014 it was destroyed by an ice jam that floated downstream and collided with the bridge;[2] two years later it was removed from the Register.[3] In July 2016 a new bridge was dedicated and opened after fund raising by the Wanakena Historical Association and others.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: National Register of Historic Places Registration: Wanakena Footbridge. February 1999. 2010-01-01 . Linda M. Garofalini. New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. See also: Web site: Accompanying four photos.
  2. News: Ice buckles Wanakena footbridge. Watertown Daily Times. January 14, 2014. May 18, 2016.
  3. Web site: National Register of Historic Places Weekly List for May 13, 2016. U.S. National Park Service. May 13, 2016. May 18, 2016.