Zanesville, Ohio
July 30, 2022
It’s funny to hear residents of Zanesville, Ohio, call the Y Bridge, “world famous,” when most of the world has never even heard of Zanesville; however, to their credit, it’s a very unique and beautiful bridge. It’s so unique, in fact, that Amelia Earhart once quipped that Zanesville is “the most recognizable city in the country” because of how easy it was to identify from the air.
Sunset reflecting in the Muskingum River, Lock #10. The state of Ohio still maintains these locks to ensure boat traffic can navigate troublesome parts of the river.
This marvel of engineering was first proposed by the Ohio General Assembly in 1812. Their charter was to build a bridge connecting the towns of Putnam, Natchez, and Zanesville, all of which resided on different banks of the confluence of the Licking and Muskingum rivers. These towns eventually combined to form the city of Zanesville.
View of my stroll along the Y Bridge.
While the bridge was finally opened to traffic in 1814, the original limestone and wood structure has been rebuilt many times throughout history because of flooding between the two rivers. The fifth iteration of the bridge was completed in the Fall of 1984 and still stands today.
Admiring sunset along the Muskingum River, south of the bridge.
Putman Park provides an excellent view of the bridge and city. Unfortunately, the park recently closed because of criminal activity. I didn’t realize this was a rough part of town. If the unsavory characters I was chatting with were part of such activity… they were certainly very pleasant criminals.
As the sun continued its descent, shadows gradually encased the beautiful history of my surroundings. Only the sounds of local traffic and the friendly banter of fishermen kept me company.
Zanesville, Ohio
July 30, 2022
The final moments of color were my beacon to leave. Since it’s hard work chasing sunsets, 😉 it was time for a cherry stout from the local Y Bridge Brewery. 🍻
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