Double-Span Whipple Bowstring Truss Bridge
Also known as: Shaw Bridge
Why it's listed
Carrying Van Wyck Lane over Claverack Creek, this double-span iron bridge dates to 1870 and is known locally as Shaw Bridge. Two identical cast and wrought-iron bowstring trusses rest on limestone abutments and a central limestone pier, giving an overall length of 162 feet. A cast legend on the top chord names J.D. Hutchinson, Builder, Troy, N.Y., 1870. The design follows the segmental arch truss patented by Squire Whipple, an early American bridge engineer who published a theoretical treatise on bridge building in 1847. Hutchinson was one of many small New York ironworks producing Whipple's prefabricated bridges. The crossing lies on the former New York and Albany post road and may have been erected by the State of New York. It was considered significant as the only known double-span Whipple bowstring bridge surviving in the nation, still on its original site, largely unaltered, and open to light vehicles under a four-ton limit.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the bridge is of outstanding importance to American engineering and transportation technology. It embodies the segmental arch truss developed by Squire Whipple and is described as the only known surviving double-span example of its type in New York and the United States. It is also among the best preserved Whipple patent bridges and remains in use on its original site.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 80002598, listed April 17, 1980. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | Van Wyck Lane, Claverack |
|---|---|
| County | Columbia County |
| Listed | April 17, 1980 |
| Reference number | 80002598 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | 1800-1899 |
| Architect / builder | John D. Hutchinson |
| Areas of significance | Engineering, Transportation |
| Level of significance | National |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as in an excellent state of preservation and unaltered, in limited use as a vehicular bridge with a four-ton load limit. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 42.21522, -73.72881 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For a publicly owned building or structure, listing mainly matters when federal funds, permits or licences are involved: projects then go through Section 106 review so effects on the property are considered. Listing also strengthens applications for preservation grants and, for leased income-producing uses, can enable the federal rehabilitation tax credit.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 80002598.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q7491148
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.