Jackson Street Bridge Refurbishing Celebrated in Trenton, Highlighting City’s History

Trenton, NJ – A ceremonial reopening was held on Saturday to celebrate the refurbishment of the Jackson Street Bridge, an event that underscored the city’s rich history and ongoing commitment to infrastructure improvements. The project included new signage detailing the area’s historical significance, particularly its connection to early American industrialization.

A Look Back at Petty’s Run and Trenton’s Industrial Past

The Jackson Street Bridge spans Petty’s Run, a waterway historically vital to Trenton’s industrial development. According to Patrick Harshbarger, principal historian at Hunter Research, Petty’s Run is “one of the rare examples of a steel-making site in Colonial America.” Community News reports that the new signage aims to bring this history to life for residents and visitors.

Hunter Research’s Role in Preserving Trenton’s Heritage

Hunter Research, a historical consultancy, played a key role in the project, with Patrick Harshbarger leading the historical interpretation. Harshbarger, described as “the history teacher you wish you had,” explained the completed work at the reopening ceremony. The Chambersburg Registry highlighted his engaging presentation.

Hunter Research has been involved in numerous historical preservation projects in the region, including work with the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, the Louis Kahn Bath House in Ewing, the Trenton Ferry Historic District, and Morven in Princeton. The LHTrail.org details their contributions to these sites, as well as various locations within the Trenton Capital Complex.

Expertise in Bridge History

Patrick Harshbarger is also recognized as an expert on early American bridges. Community News notes his expertise in this field, particularly in relation to the Jackson Street Bridge project.

Additional Work by Harshbarger and Colleagues

J. Patrick Harshbarger has also collaborated with Joseph J. Pullaro, P.E., Steven A. Shaup, P.E., and other researchers on projects related to historic bridge rehabilitation and replacement. Guidelines for Historic Bridge Rehabilitation and Replacement lists Harshbarger as a senior historian involved in this work.