The National Road - US 40: Maryland
Jug Bridge Memorial Park - Frederick
For over 130 years, from 1808 to 1942, a very unique stone arch bridge carried everything from horse and buggy, Civil War troops, and finally automobiles over the Monocacy River just east of Frederick.  Then suddenly, the bridge collapsed into the river on March 3, 1942.  The bridge consisted of two 65 foot spans carried over four arches.  The most unique feature of the Monocacy Bridge was the jug shaped stone demijohn on the east banks of the Monocacy.  Years after the collapse of the bridge, the "jug" and a stone monument to Marquis De LaFayette were moved to a park about two miles west of their original location.
Left Photo: The Monocacy Bridge Jug sits at its new home at Jug Bridge Memorial Park in Frederick. (Photo taken by Doug Kerr)
Right Photo: A closer view of the top of the stone monument.  (Photo Taken by Doug Kerr)

(Doug Kerr)
The monument honoring Revolutionary War hero, General LaFayette was placed by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1926.  The Monocacy Bridge was where the returning hero was greeted by Fredericktonians in December 1824.

The park is located on MD 144 (old US 40) in Frederick.  Take I-70 Exit 56 onto MD 144 West, the park will be on your right.



Continuing on the Trail:
  • Head West to Middletown and Boonsboro
  • Return to the National Road Photo Essay Index

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    Sources & Links:

  • Jug Bridge @ route40.net ---Frank Brusca
  • US 40 @ MDRoads.com ---Mike Pruett
  • Doug Kerr

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    Page Created: February 26, 2006
    Last Updated: May 21, 2006

    (C) 2006 William Lawson