Description
The proposal for the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge over the Ohio River in Cincinnati, Ohio, published in September of 1846.
Octavo, 35pp, [1]. Publisher’s original paper wrappers, title printed on cover, sewn at spine. Front cover and hinge lined with archival masking tape, tissue repair to front cover, vermin damage to top edge of text block, some loss of text. Period ownership inscriptions, all crossed out, one asking the recipient for his input on the project. Includes the publisher’s multi-page fold-out plan for the bridge, solid hinges, a few tissue repairs along the top edge. Housed in custom brown leather clamshell, marbled interior, title embossed on cover.
A scarce work, with nine known copies held in public institutions. This copy being the only known example on the public market.
In February of 1846, the Covington and Cincinnati Bridge Company was incorporated and asked John Roebling to plan a bridge. His plan, this work, was finished in September of 1846. His proposal called for one “monumental tower” in the middle of the Ohio River to support the structure, but would obstruct steamboat traffic. The Ohio legislature refused to support the initial plan, fearing the economic impact on river traffic. With a revised plan and a proposed 1400 foot main span, the plan was approved and construction began in 1854.
The Panic of 1857 slowed construction, but the necessity of the bridge became apparent to all during the Civil War, when pontoon bridges were required to move Union troops to the south. Construction resumed in 1864 and the first pedestrians walked over the “Cincinnati-Covington Bridge” on December 1, 1866.
The bridge was locally known as “The Suspension Bridge,” but was officially renamed the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge in 1983. After the completion of the Cincinnati bridge, John A. Roebling would be tasked with building the Brooklyn Bridge, his most iconic structure, in New York City.
