Fun Things to See and Do in Historic Savage Mill Maryland

Bollman Truss Railroad Bridge is a National Historic Landmark located in Savage, Maryland. It's the oldest, 160 foot, double span iron railroad bridge in the United States. While its no longer in use by the railroad, it's still in use carrying the Savage Mill Trail (0.8 mile rail trail) along and across the Little Patuxent River.

According to the information at the site, it was the first all-metal bridge that was consistently used on the railroad and was designed by Wendel Bollman, a self-taught engineer from nearby Baltimore. It was built in 1869 and then moved to its current location in 1887. At the time, this type of bridge was loved for its durability and because it was easy to build.

The bridge became a National Historic Landmark on February 16th, 2000. Before that the bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in December 1972. The company that built these type's of bridges, built about 100 of them through 1873. However, the Bollman Truss Railroad Bridge is the oldest surviving one in the U.S.A.

Maryland Historical Society Marker: Bollman Iron Truss Bridge 1869 - Spanning the Little Patuxent River is the sole surviving example of the bridging system invented, 1850 by Wendel Bollman, Baltimore engineer. It was the first system entirely of iron used by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad and the first in America through 1873 the company built about 100 such bridges.

Located nearby you'll find the historic Savage Mill which is also listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Savage Mill was established in 1822. The cotton mill was renovated into a shopping and restaurant complex. You'll find it at the southwest corner of Foundry Road and Washington Street in Savage, Maryland.

On the property and part of the parks system you'll find the Savage Trail, picnic grounds, some gorgeous statues and a really fun rope course for you and the family to enjoy. We spent an entire afternoon exploring everything that the site had to offer. You can bring along your own picnic-style lunch or purchase lunch at one of the small restaurants at the Savage Mill shopping complex.

Talking about some fun shopping...if you enjoy shopping at local boutiques and/or shopping for antiques...you're going to enjoy this place. The photograph above shows you the inside of one of the antiques stores located in the complex. It was really hard to get a decent photo due to the lighting.

We live in south central Pennsylvania (Harrisburg and Hershey area) and it took us about 2 to 2 1/2 hours to get there. It's a great place to go with the family if you're looking to take a day trip down to Maryland. There are several family-friendly activities for you to enjoy while you're there. Plus, visiting the historic landmark, Savage Trail, Savage Mill Shops and the rope course are 100% free and are open to the public to enjoy.