Mulberry Street Bridge

Downtown Harrisburg and the emerging Allison Hill were linked at this location in 1891 with the opening of the original Mulberry Street Bridge, replacing a dangerous railroad grade crossing and marking an early success in regional consolidation. Before the bridge opened, Allison Hill was seen more as a separate community because it was topographically removed from older Harrisburg along the river. The original bridge was built of iron with wood decking that was vulnerable to fire, and water barrels were placed along it in case of flare-ups. A major fire spread to parts of the bridge in 1902, and although it was repaired, plans moved forward for a newer and more substantial structure. The iron bridge was closed and dismantled in 1907, and the present concrete bridge was completed in 1909 as the longest concrete arch bridge in the world at that time. Technically known as the Mulberry Street Viaduct, it has remained a gateway and symbol of a unified city despite aging, with improvements and upgrades in 1923, 1938, 1956, 1988, and 2002.

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania · United States