B&O Harmar Bridge

If you expand this picture of the round bridge pier, you can see the large turning gear under the bridge structure. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

This plaque gives a brief history of the bridge itself. It had to be rebuilt after the 1913 Ohio River flood. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

Locks are also suspended by chains from the bridge structure. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

The Love Lock Tree. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

The creators of the Love Lock Tree. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

A view of the piers from a nearby dock. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

Looking across the bridge from the Fort Harmar side of the Muskingum River. All the rails were removed years ago. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

Many locks are heart shaped. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

The pedestrian walkway allows people to walk across the Muskingum River. The railroad bridge itself is off limits to sightseers. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

A dragon fly lock anchors their love. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

This is part of the mechanism that allows one section of the bridge to be released and rotated 90 degrees for river traffic. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

Additional small gears can be seen in the gap between the wood deck and steel beam! rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

A clearer picture of the unique gear and track mechanism that allows a section of this bridge to be rotated 90 degrees. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

A lock of a unique design. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

A different view of the large turning gear of the movable section of the old B&O bridge. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

The original stone steps leading up to the B&O bridge and pedestrian walkway. Several old railroad passenger cars and cabooses are on display at the Fort Harmar end of the bridge. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

These colorful locks are attached to the handrail of the pedestrian walkway. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

This lock represents the oldest marriage on the bridge. This devoted couple was married in 1959! rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

Locks can be found everywhere on the Harmar bridge! rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

Several restored rail cars and cabooses are on a siding close to the bridge. They are open to the public. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

The Fort Harmar bridge was closed to all pedestrian traffic on March 1, 2020, until further notice. Structural deterioration of the bridge was the reason it closed. rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

This large lock has smaller locks attached to it! rbt45769 (Atlas Obscura User)

This entry is a stub

Help improve Atlas Obscura by expanding B&O Harmar Bridge with additional information or photos.

Besides the unique feature of having a span that can be opened to allow river traffic to pass through, this bridge is very popular among bridge enthusiasts and couples.

Love locking is a very popular tradition along the bridge. Hundreds of locks hang from various parts of the bridge. As customary, once two lovers attach their lock, the key is then tossed into the river. It appears love is alive and well in Marietta, Ohio.

Update as of April 2020: The bridge is no longer open to pedestrians due to safety issues. Fundraising efforts are underway to restore the bridge.

Know Before You Go

The Marietta side of the bridge is adjacent to a United States Army Corps of Engineers repair facility. The Fort Harmar side ends in a merchant district. The bridge is never closed, but it's not lit at night. Daylight visitation is preferable. There is no admission charge.