The Town of Occoquan, whose name means “Head of the Waters” in Native American, is a historic district filled with small shops. The town was founded by Nathaniel Ellicott who built the first bridge here in around 1800.
The historical marker marks the bridge located downstream from Occoquan Dam, and it connects Old Ox Road with the small town. The original bridge was destroyed in 1972, and now there is a footbridge here.
Historical Marker Inscription
Occoquan founder Nathaniel Ellicott built the first bridge here c. 1800. The “Great Mail Route” from Washington to the south crossed here. In 1878 an iron Pratt Truss Bridge was erected. This bridge was on the main east coast north-south highway until 1928. Hurricane Agnes destroyed the bridge in 1972. Today’s foot bridge replaced it.
Location
River Mill Park, 458 Mill Street, Occoquan, Virginia, 22125 United States
38° 41′ 8.460″ N, 77° 15′ 45.180″ W
Historical Markers of the World 