The Walkway Over the Hudson “It so happens that the work which is likely to be our most durable monument, and to convey some knowledge of us to the most remote posterity, is a work of bare utility, not a shrine, not a fortress, not a palace, but a bridge.” — Montgomery Schuyler, Harper’s Weekly, May 24, 1883

A mere two hours from Garden City, the recently opened Walkway Over the Hudson is possibly the most interesting New York State Park, rivaling almost any other attraction. The great 19th Century Rail Bridge at Poughkeepsie is now the longest and highest walkway bridge in the world, providing magnificent eagle-views of the Hudson and the surrounding countryside. It is a must-see.

This bridge’s history dates to before the Civil War, when Poughkeepsie saw an opportunity to make itself a powerhouse mercantile center by bridging the mighty Hudson. It was not until 1888 that this rail bridge was completed with Italian labor.

Overshadowed in publicity by the Brooklyn Bridge built during the same period, it was actually a more important bridge for the growth of the country. It is also both higher and longer than the Brooklyn Bridge.

According to Garden City resident and Board Trustee Andrew Cavanaugh, who is also a rail history aficionado, it was the link that connected eastern New York State and New England with the rest of the country when rail was king. Prior to the bridge, rail cars had to be barged over the Hudson. Always busy, especially during peak periods in WWI and WWII, more than 3,500 rail cars passed over it daily. The river steamers that came up from New York City and docked at its foot had many excursionists coming to see this railroad landmark.

However, as the railroad fortunes waned in the late 20th century, proper maintenance on the bridge was neglected. In 1974, a fire on its track ties became an inferno since water could not be pumped that high from the street below. The damage was severe and the bridge was permanently closed.

For many decades since, preservationists argued with those wanting demolition. Where some saw an eyesore and a tax drain, more visionary leaders on the local and state level moved to create a purpose for rehab. Eventually, bridge renovation was accomplished through both public and private funding.

The Walkway Bridge opened on October 3rd and was crossed during its first month by more than 140,000 people. The views are awe-inspiring; it is a very uplifting experience. The Walkway’s outstanding success has revitalized community spirit in the surrounding areas. Garden City residents can compare this project to St. Paul’s, a more local historic structure, Trustee Cavanaugh commented.

Brian Pinnola, president of the Garden City Historical Society, has monitored the long contretemps over this bridge, and also sees a St. Paul’s comparison: “The potential benefits of developing something spectacular at St. Paul’s that the community supports, far exceed the Village’s proposed plans to demolish the historic structure. Almost all unique and significant projects such as the Walkway over the Hudson and even closer to home the High Line in lower Manhattan, a former elevated railway now converted to a beautiful park, have taken years of deliberations, planning and wrestling with how to finance them. Much like the Walkway, long closed but now a shining star over the Hudson River, St. Paul’s too will someday return as a vibrant, useful and integral part of Garden City’s daily life if we give it a chance.”

To take this walk and see the Hudson in its glorious majesty, Poughkeepsie is an easy drive on the Taconic Parkway (or train ride on the Metro North). There is limited parking available. There are some good restaurants located a few minutes away near the rail station. The walkway is 1.25 miles in length and more than 200 feet high. There are walkway cue signs and a cell phone tour. For more information, visit www.walkway.org or watch the YouTube video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfYmBySg_do.