The Countdown Begins: Bear Mountain Bridge Centennial Celebrations

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — The Bear Mountain Bridge is marking a different sort of milestone and the party has already started.

A slate of events to count down to the upcoming centennial of the Bear Mountain Bridge is already in the works, Governor Kathy Hochul has announced. Activities between now and November include an online pop-up shop, guided hiking tours and an art workshop, all leading up to a grand rededication ceremony.

"The Bear Mountain Bridge is truly an icon of the Hudson Valley and New York State," Hochul said. "The bridge was a remarkable engineering achievement in 1924 and has been a mainstay of our transportation network ever since. I encourage my fellow New Yorkers to come together to honor its legacy and envision the possibilities that lie for us on the road ahead as we continue to move our state forward."

The Bear Mountain Bridge was dedicated on November 26, 1924, and opened to the general public a day later on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1924. It was a groundbreaking engineering achievement for its time, being the first vehicular bridge over the Hudson River south of Albany and the first suspension bridge with a concrete deck. For a few months, it also held the title of "bridge with the longest suspended central span in the world."

The bridge was originally built by a private enterprise, the Bear Mountain Hudson River Bridge Company. In September 1940, the New York State Bridge Authority (NYSBA) acquired the bridge, making it the authority's southernmost bridge.

"This is a historic moment for the Bridge Authority, as well as all residents of the Hudson Valley," New York State Bridge Authority Board of Commissioners Chair Joan McDonald said. "The NYSBA Board of Commissioners is looking forward to these upcoming commemorations and we thank the generations of staff who have ensured this bridge is able to serve us today and for years to come."

New "BMB100" online pop-up shop is already open through July 15.

The site offers gifts commemorating the 100th anniversary of the bridge. Noteworthy items include prints and notecards featuring the work of Hudson Valley artists John F. Gould and his son Paul Gould. The shop also includes a limited-edition hat honoring the bridge’s ceremonial designation as the "Purple Heart Veterans Memorial Bear Mountain Bridge."

The online shop is open for a short time and quantities are limited, but the fun doesn't stop there.

• On Saturday, August 3, painting lessons will be offered by local artist Stasia Fernandez, as participants take in views of the bridge from the vantage point of the Fort Montgomery State Historic Site. Participants of all artistic levels will be treated to beautiful and historic views, learn new painting skills and historical knowledge, while also bringing home a canvas of their own work. The $30 fee covers the cost of materials and the lesson, a tour of the Revolutionary War battle site and a print of a Bear Mountain Bridge ink drawing by the late artist John F. Gould. Interested participants can email this address to be put on the notification list for this event.
• On Wednesday, August 7, National Purple Heart Day, the Bridge Authority will host a tribute to local Purple Heart recipients at the bridge, sponsored by the nonprofit Historic Bridges of the Hudson Valley. In 2018, the bridge received the ceremonial designation of "Purple Heart Veterans Memorial Bear Mountain Bridge," in honor of Purple Heart recipients and in recognition of the area's rich military history. Any veteran who has received the Purple Heart is encouraged to contact the Authority at this address to be put on the notification list for this event.
• On Saturday, September 7, the Bridge Authority will team up with New York State Parks to present the next installment in their "Bridges to Parks" guided hike series, this time centered on the Bear Mountain Bridge and the nearby state parks that it connects. Multiple hike options for various interests and abilities will be offered.
• On Sunday, November 24, just days before the 100th anniversary of the bridge’s dedication and opening, NYSBA will host a ceremony to commemorate the bridge centennial. Details will be released at a later date.

"The Iconic Bear Mountain Bridge has spanned the Hudson River for 100 years, a testament to the unique care and maintenance provided by the people of the NYS Bridge Authority," Executive Director of Historic Bridges of the Hudson Valley Kathryn Burke said. "The bridge claims a number of well-known firsts, but also spans a great deal of our country's history. Located at a spot which witnessed many important events from Henry Hudson to the Revolution, it was built at the time when the newly invented automobile became affordable for the population as a whole, as people were leaving the congestion of cities for the great outdoors."

New York State Parks is also celebrating a centennial of its own this year, as it marks the 100th anniversary of the creation of the State Council of Parks in 1924 and citizen approval of a $15 million bond act to build and enlarge a network of state parks. Interested participants can email this address to be put on the notification list for this event.

"State Parks is thrilled to honor the Bear Mountain Bridge's 100th anniversary in 2024, the same year that we celebrate our park and historic site system's Centennial," New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Randy Simons said. "The bridge’s legacy, both as an engineering feat and gateway to improving the lives of city residents through access to nature a century ago is one of great regard in the Hudson Valley and throughout the Empire State.

The public can also learn about the history of the Bear Mountain Bridge by visiting the Toll House on Route 6/202, open June through October. The Tudor-style Toll House was originally the office and collection area for tolls along that roadway. It was restored and is operated by the Town of Cortlandt. Find more information regarding hours and directions here.

"The Bear Mountain Bridge serves as the gateway to Westchester County as well as the Town of Cortlandt and City of Peekskill," Town of Cortlandt Supervisor Richard Becker said. "Folks traveling from upstate New York cross the bridge and descend the "Goat Trail" to enter our community. The 100th anniversary of this magnificent bridge provides a perfect opportunity to celebrate this major traffic artery and architectural marvel."