Building a Beautiful Bridge

Completed in 1932, Arlington Memorial Bridge was built in a neoclassical style and extended Pierre L'Enfant's original plans for the District of Columbia. Designed by the architectural firm of McKim, Mead and White during the City Beautiful movement, it reflected strong interest in fulfilling unrealized parts of L'Enfant's designs. More than 2,000 feet long, the bridge has nine broad arches over the Potomac River, with a steel bascule draw span forming the center arch. Its low profile, traditional architecture, and hidden draw span were intended to draw attention to the surrounding sites and memorials. Considered Washington's most beautiful bridge, it provides stunning vistas of the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington House and serves as a picturesque ceremonial entrance to Washington, DC and Arlington National Cemetery.

Washington, District of Columbia · United States