American connections: 10 bridges that are architectural masterpieces
Landmarks
Bridging the U.S.
American connections: 10 bridges that are architectural masterpieces
Who says that architectural structures and works of art can’t be one and the same? Bridges are mainly built to ease the passage between two locations, but some bridges are masterpieces of engineering, architecture, and design. Here are 10 iconic American bridges that are worth a visit.
Golden Gate Bridge, California
Probably one of the most recognizable landmarks in the U.S., this 1937 bridge broke records at the time as an engineering marvel. Designed to link San Francisco with Marin County across the Golden Gate Strait —previously only crossed by ferry—, it was at the moment of its inauguration the longest suspension bridge in the world, with the tallest bridge towers.
One of the world’s biggest examples of the Art Deco style, it is also renowned for its particular orange vermillion color in the shade of international orange. The color choice was not accidental: besides complementing the natural surroundings, it enhances the bridge’s visibility in the fog.
Brooklyn Bridge, New York
Initially called the "New York and Brooklyn Bridge" and the "East River Bridge", the Brooklyn Bridge was the first suspension bridge in the world to use steel cables instead of iron. Completed in 1883, it was at the time the longest suspension bridge in the world.
John Roebling, the chief engineer in charge of the project, designed the bridge to be six times as strong as the structure required, a foresight that proved providential when it was discovered that a contractor had supplied faulty wire. However, rumors about the integrity of the construction abounded. To reassure the public, circus master P.T. Barnum led a parade of 21 elephants across the bridge, showcasing the strength of the structure.
Mackinac Bridge, Michigan
Affectionately dubbed ‘Mighty Mac’ and ‘Big Mac’ by the locals, this 5-mile suspension bridge connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas across the Straits of Mackinac. Opened in 1957, it is the 7th-longest suspension bridge in the world to date, and the longest in the Western hemisphere.
Do you know that there is one day when vehicles are banned from using the bridge? Each Labor Day, the Mackinac Bridge is open for pedestrians only, who can walk along it and enjoy the views, but be aware: walking across the bridge can take up to two hours, and there are no restrooms along the way.
Seven Mile Bridge, Florida
Initially built as a railway bridge in 1912, it was repurposed as a highway in 1935 after a hurricane caused severe damage to the structure. Between 1978 and 1982, a wider two-lane bridge was built parallel to the original one, which is now used for pedestrians and cyclists.
Considered the Eighth Wonder of the World at the time of its construction, the Seven Mile Bridge connects the Florida Keys from Knight's Key in Marathon to Little Duck Key over long stretches of water. Despite its name, the bridge spans only 6.79 miles.
George Washington Bridge, New Jersey and New York
Connecting Fort Lee, New Jersey, with Manhattan, New York City, this 1931 suspension bridge is one of the busiest motor vehicle bridges in the world, carrying around 100 million vehicles annually. In 1962, a lower level with six traffic lanes, nicknamed ‘Martha’, was added to the original structure.
Famous for its 604-foot exposed steel towers, this feature was not part of the original design. Although the steel structures were supposed to be encased in concrete and granite, they were left bare to save funds during the Great Depression, accidentally creating its iconic look.
New River Gorge Bridge, West Virginia
Standing 876 feet above the New River in Fayetteville, West Virginia, this bridge is the longest arch bridge in the Western hemisphere and one of the highest vehicular bridges in America. Built between 1974 and 1977, it shortened the trip across the New River Gorge from nearly an hour to less than a minute.
A destination landmark for adrenaline seekers since its construction, it is the center of Fayette County’s "Bridge Day" on the third Saturday of October. That day, the bridge is open for rappelling, ascending, and BASE jumping. Bungee jumping, however, has been banned since 1993 due to the time it takes for jumpers to be reeled back up.
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Virginia
Officially the "Lucius J. Kellam, Jr. Bridge-Tunnel", it is one of only 14 bridge-tunnel systems in the world, connecting Delmarva and Hampton Roads across the Chesapeake Bay. Its 17.6-mile distance is composed of 12 miles of low-level trestles, two underwater tunnels, two high-level bridges, and four artificial islands.
Considered one of the scariest drives in America due to the different highs and lows, the bridge was opened to the public in 1964. While its underwater tunnels might seem unnecessarily complicated at first glance, they were a requirement to allow U.S. Navy ships from the nearby Naval Station Norfolk to have unrestricted access to the Atlantic Ocean.
Royal Gorge Bridge, Colorado
The highest bridge in the U.S., and the highest in the world between 1929 and 2001, the Royal Gorge Bridge is suspended 955 feet over the Arkansas River. Conceived as a tourist attraction and open only to pedestrians, the 18-foot-wide bridge has a steel base covered by more than a thousand wood planks, with a quarter of them replaced annually.
The choice of materials for this bridge was intentional: by using wooden planks, the structure sways with the wind, adding a thrill for visitors. Construction of the bridge was done in record time, taking about seven months and opening to the public in November 1929. Part of the Royal Gorge Bridge & Park amusement park, it receives around 400,000 visitors a year.
O'Callaghan-Tillman Memorial Bridge, Nevada and Arizona
Straddling the Nevada-Arizona border, the O'Callaghan-Tillman Memorial Bridge is the second-tallest bridge and the highest concrete arch bridge in America. Its 1,600-foot arch stands 840 feet above the Colorado River.
Completed in 2010, the bridge was part of a project to reroute the US Route 93, previously crossing on top of the Hoover Dam, to reduce congestion, while providing a safer path with fewer blind curves and turns.
Bixby Creek Bridge, California
Designed to blend with the surrounding nature, the Bixby Creek Bridge is one of the most photographed in America. Opened in 1932, it provided access for Big Sur residents, who would often be isolated during winter due to blockages in the Old Coast Road.
Though the bridge is now considered functionally obsolete for modern standards, its construction was an extraordinary feat of the Great Depression Era. Cement was chosen over steel to reduce construction and maintenance costs, but because of the remote location, 45,000 sacks of cement had to be lifted across the creek with a system of slings and cables.
Which are the 10 shortest commercial flight routes in the U.S.?
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Going somewhere?
Which are the 10 shortest commercial flight routes in the U.S.?
In a country as vast as the United States, it may seem surprising that some scheduled commercial flights last barely longer than a sitcom episode. Yet, geography, water crossings, and airline hub strategies keep certain ultra-short routes alive. These 10 journeys prove that going through the whole airport experience for a short distance can sometimes make sense.
Wrangell to Petersburg, Alaska (less than 31 miles)
Often cited as the shortest scheduled jet route in the country, this Alaskan hop spans just over 30 miles. The two fishing communities sit along the Inside Passage, separated by water and rugged, forested terrain.
Though the flight lasts roughly 20 minutes gate-to-gate, it replaces hours on the ferry. For residents, transportation is essential. For aviation fans, it can be one of America’s most curious commercial jet experiences.
Kalaupapa to Ho’olehua, Hawaii (less than 9 miles)
Among the shortest scheduled commercial flights under U.S. jurisdiction, this Moloka’i route covers roughly nine miles. Steep sea cliffs and limited road access make air service especially important.
The aircraft barely levels off before beginning its descent toward the other runway. While extremely brief, the flight provides essential access for residents, medical visits, and services in this isolated community.
Chicago, Illinois, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin (less than 67 miles)
The distance between Chicago and Milwaukee is shorter than many suburban drives. Yet airlines still schedule flights between these two Midwestern cities.
Most passengers use the route to connect through major hubs rather than travel point to point. Even so, it remains one of the shortest regularly scheduled commercial services in the continental United States.
Denver to Colorado Springs, Colorado (less than 72 miles)
These Front Range cities sit just over an hour apart by car, but scheduled flights have linked them for network convenience.
The hop primarily feeds travelers into Denver’s large hub airport for onward journeys. While the drive is manageable, the short flight shows how airline strategy can keep even modest distances in regular timetables.
Detroit to Lansing, Michigan (less than 74 miles)
Connecting Michigan’s largest city with its capital, this brief regional flight mainly serves connecting passengers.
Though easily driven in little more than an hour, air service offers fast access to Detroit’s major hub airport. It is another great example of a short route still sustained by broader airline networks.
Boston to Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts (less than 70 miles)
Especially busy in summer, this New England route carries travelers from the mainland to the well-known island retreat.
The short flight avoids ferry lines and seasonal traffic backups. For vacationers and homeowners alike, it provides a quick and efficient alternative to crossing the water by sea.
Los Angeles to San Diego, California (less than 109 miles)
Southern California’s two major coastal cities are linked by highway, rail, and air. The flight itself lasts well under an hour in the sky.
It is especially useful for business travelers and connecting passengers moving through large hub airports. Among big metropolitan areas, it ranks as one of the shorter regularly scheduled routes.
Miami to Key West, Florida (less than 125 miles)
This Florida Keys flight spares travelers the scenic but time-consuming drive along the Overseas Highway.
Though longer than some entries here, it is still brief by commercial aviation standards. Vacationers often choose it to reach the southernmost city in the continental United States quickly.
Anchorage to Homer, Alaska (less than 117 miles)
Linking Anchorage with a fishing and tourism community on the Kenai Peninsula, this route highlights Alaska’s reliance on aviation.
Mountain ranges and long road journeys make flying appealing. Even at just over 100 miles, it stands among the shorter scheduled commercial flights in America.
Dallas to Austin, Texas (less than 190 miles)
Among the shorter high-frequency routes between major Texas cities, this flight typically lasts about an hour gate to gate. The time spent in the start and finish airports is longer than the time spent in the air.
But it thrives because both cities serve as business centers and airline hubs. Even in an era of highly efficient highways and intercity buses, short commercial flights continue to play key roles, as this example proves.
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