Settled in the 1770s, Bridgeport is a historic city in West Virginia’s Harrison County. It is thought to have been named after a bridge that once spanned Simpson Creek, the waterway traversing the city. Bridgeport flourished as a cattle trade town following the arrival of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad in the mid-19th century.
Things to do in Bridgeport
On the bank of Simpson Creek is Bridgeport City Park, a popular recreational space with a children’s playground, sporting fields and jogging trails. A walking path connects east to the Bridgeport City Pool, which features a lap swimming pool, a water slide and shade umbrellas.
Spanning Simpson Creek is a historic concrete bridge built in 1924 on the designs of Frank McEnteer. It was commissioned by the Bridgeport Lamp Chimney Company to provide access between their glass plant and warehouse. In addition to being a reminder of the area’s once-flourishing glass industry, it’s significant as an elegant example of a reinforced concrete bridge by one of the pioneers of such designs.
On the southern edge of Bridgeport is Deegan & Hinkle Lakes Park, a picturesque green space that offers everything from fishing to kayaking and canoeing. Kids can run around in the children’s playground while parents relax on a bench nearby or stretch their legs on the lakefront walking trail. Deegan & Hinkle Lakes Park is also a popular destination for birdwatchers, with the occasional beaver also spotted.
Getting around Bridgeport
North Central West Virginia Airport is around five minutes’ drive from the centre of Bridgeport and has flights to destinations across the United States. Buses connect to Bridgeport, although renting a car will give you greater freedom to get around the area. The centre of Bridgeport can easily be explored on foot.