The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1897-04-15
CABIN JOHN BRIDGE.
A Remarkable structure-Origin Of Its
Name.

Name.
Seven miles from West Washington, upon
what is called the Conduit road, which car
ries the water supply of the capital from
the Great falls of the Potomac to Washing
ton, IS one of the most noted structures OF
modern times. This structureis q bridge
of single span, called the Cabin John
bridge, built by the United States govern
ment for the purpose of carrying the wa
ter main across ravine. Flowing through
this rayine, in it's rocky bed, Is small
stream called Cabin John creek, from
which the bridge takes its name. The
stream has its origin in Rockville, Md,
and it's outlet at the Potomac, not far
away.
In constructing the Washington aque-
duct the first serious difficulty was encoun-
tered at Cabin John creek. Here deep
rayine obstructed the way. The genius OF
man surmounted this obstruction, and the
result was model of engineering skill.
A fine stone arch, 220 feet in width and
10 feet In height, spans the ravine and the
creek and has the distinction Of being the
largest single arch in the world. tits built
of brown sandstone brought from the quar-
ries of Seneca, about 15 miles above this
point, and is of solid masonry. Its con-
struction was begun in 1858, under the su-
pe-yision of tn, war department., during
the official term of jefferson Davis, by its
architect and engineer, General N. G.
Meigs.
In 1862, owing to pressure Of work In
this department, the work of construction
was transferred to the interior department
Caleb B. Smith, secretary-and remain
ed there until 1857 about the time OF Its
completion. During the process of build
ing the names of Presidents Franklin
Pierce and Abraham Lincoln and Of Secre-
taries of War jefferson Davis and Edwin
M. Stan'son were inscribed on one Of the
large stones on the west end Of the bridge.
After the secession of the south the name
of Jefferson Davis was cut out, and only
blank space remains to tell Of the obliter'
alton.
This celebrated bridge and the stream
that it spans derive their names from
solitary settler, who, tradition says, ap-
peared on this spot some time before the
war of the Revolution and built near the
banks OF the beautiful Potomac rude log
cabin. For number Of years he occupied
these quarters and was known only by the
name of John, or Cabin John. His only
compan ions were three fierce hunting dogs,
which were sheltered among the rocks neal
their masters abode.
These dogs always accompanied John on
bio avcursioDs abOut the cOuntry and served
to protect him from the too curious intru
sion of visitors and also from suspicion:
strangers who might appear in that sec
tlon. The settler spent most Of his time
hunting and fishing, which were his chiei
means OF support. His garments were
made from the skins Of wild animals, and
his general appearance was not attractive
He seemed to avoid companionship witt
man, although possessing qualities fitting
him for such associations.
Those who visited his cabin said that HI
was O musician and that he played skill
fully upon violin, singing songs tht
words Of which seemed 60 recall memories
and friends Of other days. Tradition
throws no other light upon this strangt
being, whence he came or whittier he went
He disappeared suddenly one day a
mysteriously as he had appeared. A search
was made for him, but no trace could b
found. His dogs deserted their rock bount
kennel, and his cabin crumbled to tht
ground. Little did John of the cabin thini
that wonderful work Of man would ont
day bear his humble name and hand Il
down to future generations. s.-Washingt