An engineering marvel for early America

In 1800, travelers expected to ford rivers or use ferries that were slow and often risky in bad weather. The Baltimore and Frederick-Town Turnpike Company, building the first leg of the National Road in 1805, set out to revolutionize American roads. One of the results was an amazing five-arch stone bridge across the Monocacy River.

Leonard Harbaugh built the bridge in 1808 for a cost of $55,000. Mr. Harbaugh's signature was a distinctive stone "demijohn" placed on the bridge's east end, giving the span its name the "Jug Bridge." A demijohn was a popular bulbous, thin-necked bottle that often held whiskey. Rumors persist that a real jug of whiskey was planted inside the stone version. The Jug Bridge served faithfully well into the automobile era, but a collapse in 1942 led to a new bridge.

(Sidebar): Marquis de Lafayette
America's hero, Frenchman Marquis de Lafayette, crossed the Jug Bridge in December, 1824, entering Frederick on his triumphal U.S. tour fifty years after the Revolutionary War.

(Captions):
The Jug Bridge as seen in this early 20th century postcard view. The bridge collapsed in 1942, but the toll house on the opposite side of the river, still survives and is now a private residence.

Some horseless carriage adventurers (note the goggles and the duster in the foreground) pose with the stone demijohn at the entrance to the Jug Bridge. The unique monument was moved to its present location in 1965.

Show me all markers in:  Frederick, MD  |  Frederick County  |  21701  |  Maryland  |  United States of America

Jug Bridge Monument
General LaFayette
The Frederick Brick Works
The Lower Depot Neighborhood / The Frederick Brick Works
The Frederick County History Bell
Gen. Bradley T. Johnson
The Everedy Company
Tanneries
Shab Row
The Stinky Stuff

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.