James Finley (1756-1828)

Fayette County · dedicated 2008 · Uniontown Public Library, 24 Jefferson St., Uniontown

In 1808 Finley obtained the first US patent for a suspension bridge. His first rigid chain bridge, which once spanned nearby Jacob's Creek, exemplified the ingenuity of Finley's design. Bridges following his patented design were built in several other states, and he is considered a pioneer of the modern suspension bridge. A Uniontown resident, he served as a judge and a member of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania.

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Marker data: Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission via data.pa.gov

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