in 1916, Manufactures Record published an article saying that Fairmont, West Virginia had issued a $400,000 bond to build two concrete bridges to replace the mid-19th century suspension bridge.[2] Because the actual cost of the bridges was significantly higher, this project was called the "million dollar bridge."[2]
Once plans were prepared, Manufactures Record published a drawing and statistics: 1,320 ft (400 m) long, 56 ft (17 m) wide; with three reinforced concrete arches that each have two ribs and a clear span of 250 ft (76 m).[2]
George Carnegie Palmer and Henry Hornbostel of the New York City architectural firm Palmer & Hornbostel were consultants to the Concrete Steel Engineering Company for the design of the bridge.[2] Palmer & Hornbostel gave "the bridge thirty-three concrete obelisks supporting bronze light fixtures, an open balustrade, and four balconies with flagpoles. Below, three large segmental arches with open-rib spandrels evince a happy marriage of engineering and architecture."[2] The bridge opened in 1921.[2]
After falling into poor repair over the years, it was preserved, repaired, and reopened in October 2000. The bridge is now a significant historic landmark in the city.[3][4] It is still the largest reinforced concrete arch bridge in West Virginia.[2]
