As the World War Veterans’ Memorial Bridge—more commonly referred to as the 4th Street Bridge—prepares to take its final dive into the Licking River, it will not be the first time it has taken such a plunge in the nearly 175 years since the original bridge was built.
175 Years of Bridging Covington and Newport
Begun in 1852 and completed in 1853, the bridge spanning Covington and Newport has undergone many changes. From its collapse in 1854 under the weight of 18 head of cattle to its much-needed remodeling in 1886—overseen by the Baird Brothers of Pittsburgh, the same firm that supervised the construction of the 12th Street Bridge in 1892 and whose principals died in its collapse—the structure has witnessed and played a role in Northern Kentucky’s history. In addition to connecting Covington and Newport, it once carried a water main between the two cities and, for most of its existence, was accessible only by toll.
The Current Bridge - World War Veterans’ Memorial Bridge or 4th Street Bridge - 1936
The name World War Veterans’ Memorial Bridge was chosen by the State Highway Commission following a motion by Commissioner J. Lyter Donaldson of Carrollton, who would later become the Democratic nominee for governor of Kentucky in 1943. The bridge was completed in 1936 with much fanfare. The mayors of the two cities—H.A. Knollman of Covington and Joseph C. Hermann of Newport—met at the center of the span for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Parades featuring floats and representatives from numerous Northern Kentucky businesses and civic associations were held in both cities.
In his opening address, Charlton B. Thompson, a prominent Covington attorney, declared, “The Licking River still flows between our cities, but it is no longer a barrier to good will.” The event was described in The Kentucky Post as “probably northern Kentucky’s largest turnout in its history.”
Take a look back at historic photographs of the bridge courtesy of the Library's Faces and Places History NKY Online Photograph Collection.
Written by Local History and Genealogy Department Staff Member Jessica Johnson.
If you have questions about historical research or searching for historic local photographs call us at 859.962.4070, email us at history@kentonlibrary.org or stop in and visit us in the Local History and Genealogy Department at 502 Scott Blvd., Covington, KY 41011.
Explore the history of Northern Kentucky people, organizations, neighborhoods, cities, and counties.
Add a comment to: Spanning the Licking: Covington and Newport’s 4th Street Bridge