Bridge From W&OD Trail To Freeman Store Restored In Vienna

VIENNA, VA — A reconstructed bridge is open to connect the Freeman Store and Museum and Vienna Town Green from the Washington & Old Dominion Trail.

The pedestrian bridge is located over Piney Branch off the bike and pedestrian trail steps from Church Street. The previous bridge collapsed in 2016, prompting the Town of Vienna to build a new ADA-compliant steel and wooden bridge. The project was completed in November 2023.

The Freeman Store and Museum opened in 1859, serving different roles like a store, home, train depot, hotel, Civil War hospitals and officers' quarters, and fire department. The pedestrian bridge connecting what was once a railroad to the Freeman Store's side historically was a key part of the structure.

The Town of Vienna purchased the building in 1969 and started restoration work. It reopened to the public in 1976 under a group that is now Historic Vienna, Inc. Today, the Freeman Store and Museum is on the Virginia Landmarks Register and National Register of Historic Places, hosting a gift shop, used book cellar and occasional events.

The town will hold a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 23 outside the Freeman Store and Museum, 131 Church St., NE, Vienna, VA. A reception with refreshments will follow the ribbon cutting. Guests can see the museum's new exhibits "Exploring Books Throughout Time" and "Vienna Unveiled Through Maps." More information is available by calling 703-938-5187 or emailing [email protected].