The Jug Bridge was built in 1808 as part of the National Road to facilitate the crossing of the Monocacy River. It consisted of four 65-foot long stone arches spanning 425 feet with the namesake "jug" standing on the east end of the bridge.
A section of the bridge collapsed in 1942 and for two years, the fallen span was replaced with a wooden structure to support the passage of traffic. In 1944, a new bridge was completed to replace the structurally compromised Jug Bridge and the original span with its unique ornamentation was demolished. The jug itself was saved as a monument and in 1965 placed at this location.
The Marquis de Lafayette spoke here at the original bridge on behalf of France's great relations with the United States.
There is a large plaque affixed to a stone that stands on the spot where General Marquis de Lafayette delivered an address to express thanks for the hearty welcome he received upon his arrival in Frederick.
It is still rumored that a "jug" of whisky is buried within the monument.
Dan
Beautiful stone work. If this was in Wisconsin, I'm sure some wild teens would have toppled it in the middle of the night to get at that jug of 200+ year old whiskey.
Brent
douter wrote:
I'll "second" Kent's suggestion/statement, Dan'l!
Douglas
This "jug" was moved twice in my lifetime. There was an eatery called "The Jug Bridge Inn" that had great homemade food but went out of business many years ago. The "jug" was on their property. The property was not very visable.
The County moved the memorial when the resturaunt went out of business to a spot more visable. It is now at the end of the runway for the Frederick airport.
bnfotografie wrote:
Beautiful stone work. If this was in Wisconsin, I'm sure some wild teens would have toppled it in the middle of the night to get at that jug of 200+ year old whiskey.
Brent
Thanks brother!
It may be in "the line of fire" for vandalism except that the County Sheriff and State Police are located just to the right top of the frame. A deterrent? So far yes But...........
Dan
