Industrial History: 1889 New Bridge over Hackensack River at River Edge, NJ

Saturday, May 23, 2026

1889 New Bridge over Hackensack River at River Edge, NJ

(Archived Bridge Hunter; Bridge Hunter; no Historic Bridges; Satellite)

Because the bridge is a boundary, the bridge is also at New Milford and Teaneck, NJ.

Metrotrails posted two photos with the comment:

Metrotrails Then and Now Series: Historic early view of the 1889 pony truss swing bridge over the Hackensack River at Historic New Bridge Landing, compared to the same scene on our 2023 hike.
The bridge is considered to be the oldest extant swing span bridge in the State of New Jersey.
This bridge, built at the narrows of the Hackensack River, and the head of schooner navigation, occupies the same site as the original 1744 "New Bridge" erected here.
In 1776, the "New Bridge" was critical in the withdrawal of the Continental Army from the Hudson River as the British were moving in. The British army decided against taking the new bridge, and in doing so rewarded American forces with a successful retreat. This is why some refer to this as the "Bridge that saved a nation", which was the title of Historian Kevin Wright's book on the topic.
Constructed by the King Iron Company, the current bridge served as a major connector between River Edge, Teaneck, New Milford, and New Bridge Landing until the last vehicles traveled across in 1956. A newer bridge was constructed just upstream.
Today, the old swing pony truss span is pedestrian only, and is utilized as part of the greater Hackensack River Greenway.

Deborah Powell: We include the bridge on tours and it’s important for commuters to reach the New Bridge Landing train station. Until 1790 the strategic bridge was the first bridge above Newark Bay on the Hackensack River. There was a stage coach that came through traveling to Hackensack even before the American Revolution.