Lehigh Bridge Company
Prior to 1792 the Lehigh River was only crossable utilizing ferries located on its banks in Bethlehem. The United Brethren ownded both the land and ferries. In 1791John Schropp petitioned the Pennsylvanian Legislature for permission to construct a bridge over the Lehigh. The Legislature granted John Schropp the right to found a company to build the bridge. Guidelines were established both for tolls and the organization of the company; it stipulated that the company would control 78 shares. Prior to construction of the bridge, John Schropp had to obtain both deed polls ensuring the purchase of these shares and permission from Frederick Marshall, who was the current land holder of the future bridge property. All requirements were met and construction of the bridge took place between 1792 and 1794. The company was incorporated according to state law in 1827, and the charter amended to allow the company both to expand and to possess greater self governance. In 1866 the state via an Act of Assembly gave the company the right to move the bridge elsewhere on the Lehigh. A legal dispute developed between the Lehigh Bridge Company and the Moravains concerning the rights to build on the river bank in 1881; it was known as the "Lehigh Shore Controversy." The company continued to operate until 1917 when the 1866 rights were sold to the county government; however, it officially closed and liquidated its assests in 1920. 15 boxes, 5 volumes, 2 oversized folders The core of the collection consists of bills and account books. These provide excellent detail on the expenses of a business from inception of the company to its closing. The founding and organization of the company is well documented as well as the bridge's construction and maintenance. The collection can be significant to a researcher studying the histories of corporations, of bookkeeping practices, of construction management and bridge design in the 19th century.
Full Title
Lehigh Bridge Company
Member of
Language
German
Type
Identifier
LBC
moravian-church_74
Record Origin
Converted from Dublin Core to MODS during migration from CONTENTdm to Islandora