During the late 18th century, a village slowly evolved around what was known an Shanks Ferry, which took travelers back and forth across the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. After Benjamin Riegel purchased the ferry business in 1806, the village came to be known as Riegels Ferry and later as Riegelsville.

A Canal Community
The opening of the Delaware Canal in 1832 brought steady growth to Riegelsville, which saw a transition from a hamlet to a full-fledged village, including numerous mercantile businesses and manufacturing industries. The construction of a covered bridge over the Delaware River in 1838 eventually made the ferry business obsolete. One hundred years later, the canal itself would cease to operate because of competition from rail and highway based transportation.

Riegelsville has experienced the evolution of transportation from river, canal, railroad, trolley and automobile. In the 21st century, this heritage is reflected in the recreational trails that Riegelsville residents and visitors enjoy including the D&L Trail, which follows the Delaware Canal Towpath, the Delaware River Water Trail and the Highlands Trail.

Roebling Bridge
The wire rope and engineering firm of John A. Roebling's Sons, Co. of Trenton, New Jersey was commissioned to replace a three span covered bridge that was swept away by the Pumpkin Flood of 1903. The Roebling Bridge opened on April 18, 1904 with a final cost of $30,000.

Unlike the ill-fated covered bridge, Roebling's cable suspension bridge has survived several major flood events including 1936, 1955 (flood of record) and three major floods in the early 21st century.

A Place of National Significance
Riegelsville is situated along two nationally designated corridors: The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor and the Lower Delaware National Wild & Scenic River. The village itself is a National Historic District that features many significant commercial and residential buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.

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