Famous Jug Bridge

A Memorial of Devotion and Beauty.

I might add right here the old stone Jug Bridge was built by a well-known Frederick County man, Leonard Harbaugh, for the turn–pike company at a cost of $55,000. This bridge will stand until the hills around are torn to pieces. Mr. Harbaugh was recognized as being one of the best stone masons of his time. He had the confidence and esteem of Gen. George Washington. He built the three locks at the Great Falls of the Potomac to make the river navigable for long boats; the undertaking at that time was thought to be an impossibility. He made the Potomac navigable for boats up above Cumberland. From Harper's Ferry he made the Shenandoah River navigable by building locks and cutting canals for upward of a hundred miles above the Ferry. Mr. Harbaugh built many stone buildings in Baltimore and Georgetown and the public buildings in Washington including the President's house before it was burned by the English in 1814.

The Jug Bridge, so called from the huge demijohn that guards its entrance. Work was started in 1807, and completed in 1808. This ancient bridge over the Monocacy river, defies the heavy traffic of the National pike and not a hint is heard of a new structure. Thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, even millions have crossed the old stone structure, which commands a wonderful view of the river, above and below.

Thousands have drifted beneath its arches in small boats and canoes and have marveled at the beauty of the structure. There it stands for the world to observe, safe and majestic, and over it flows a stream of life.

Years have passed and generations have come and gone, but the Jug Bridge is still there. Competent judges declare it will with–stand more than another century of traffic.