Catoctin Creek Bridge (Additional Documentation)
Also known as: Jogn G. Lewis Memorial Bridge
Why it's listed
Carrying Route 673 across Catoctin Creek near Waterford, this single-span Pratt truss bridge measures 150 by 14 feet and is divided into seven bays, with ends slanting at a near 45 degree angle. It rests on fieldstone abutments and keeps its wooden plank roadbed, though modern guard rails have been added. A plaque on the eastern end names the Variety Iron Works of Cleveland, Ohio, as builder, and a second plaque lists a bridge committee and the engineer, Alfred Staunton. The bridge dates to about 1900 and originally crossed Goose Creek on Route 7 east of Leesburg. It was dismantled and moved to its present site around 1932. It was recognized as an excellent example of the metal truss bridges once common on Virginia's back roads and as virtually the only one of its size and type left in northern Virginia. Its setting, a shaded unpaved lane among farms near the Quaker community of Waterford, adds to its appeal. It remains in use and is well maintained.
Significance in brief: The nomination calls it an excellent example of the metal truss bridges once common on Virginia's secondary roads, and says it is virtually the only bridge of its size and type left in northern Virginia. Its picturesque setting near the Quaker community of Waterford, the unpaved shaded road and the wooden plank roadbed add to its distinction. Reviewers noted that state officials questioned whether it was the only Pratt truss in Virginia and suggested local significance was more likely.
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 74002136, listed June 25, 1974. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Rte. 673, N of Waterford, Waterford |
|---|---|
| County | Loudoun County |
| Listed | June 25, 1974 |
| Reference number | 74002136 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Architect / builder | Variety Iron Works, Cleveland, Ohio (bridge builder); Alfred Staunton, engineer (named on plaque) |
| Architectural style | Pratt truss metal bridge |
| Areas of significance | Engineering, Transportation |
| Level of significance | State |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Described as maintained in excellent condition and serving county Route 673; the form marks it as good condition, altered, and moved from its original site. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 39.23223, -77.59158 (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 74002136.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5053823
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.