Over 200 Years Old, The Oldest Surviving Bridge In West Virginia Is Still In Use

Tucked away in a small community within the city limits of Wheeling, West Virginia, is a bridge. You may have crossed it before, and likely as not when you did, you had absolutely no idea of its significance. But significant the Elm Grove stone arch bridge is: this small, worn old bridge holds a West Virginia state record.

At first glance, the Elm Grove stone arch bridge that crosses Wheeling Creek in Elm Grove as part of U.S. Route 40 doesn't look like much.

Its bland colors and crumbling stucco overgrown with vines ensure that this bridge passes well under the radar of famous state attractions.

Surprise of all surprises, though, this unobtrusive little bridge is one of the most significant in the whole state of West Virginia, historically speaking!

What makes it so special? The year it was built: 1817.

At just over 200 years old, the Elm Grove Bridge over Wheeling Creek is the oldest surviving bridge in all of West Virginia... and it's still actively used by vehicle traffic even to this day!

Moses Shepherd of Ohio County built this three-span elliptical-arch bridge out of native limestone. Many years later, that limestone was covered in a thin coat of concrete.

Adding to its significance, the Elm Grove bridge makes up a small section of the National Road, the first major highway ever built by the U.S. Federal Government.

That's quite a bit of history for one stone bridge! Have you ever driven across this historic West Virginia bridge located on State Route 40? Did you know its import? If you're fascinated by old bridges, West Virginia is the state for you! We've got what was once the longest bridge in the world, as well as the highest interstate bridge and longest single arch bridge in America. And that's not to mention another bridge along the National Road that was once the largest suspension bridge in the world.