*Into the River: Bristol's Railroad Bridge Disaster
On the night of February 6, 1896, during a fierce nor’easter, a crew of New England Railroad workers was sent onto a small bridge over the Pequabuck River in Bristol to replace an old wooden bridge with a new one made of iron. Moments later, the bridge collapsed beneath them. Twenty men were thrown into the icy, fast-moving river. Six would die, but the rescue effort that followed became one of the most dramatic and heartbreaking events in Connecticut’s industrial history.
The disaster touched families across the region. One woman lost her husband, brother, and cousin in a single night. Another victim was not recovered for seven years. And it could have been worse, but for two miracles that happened minutes apart and only hours before the bridge fell. Newspapers from Hartford to New Haven followed the story closely, and communities along the rail line rallied to help.
Into the River is a 45–60 minute presentation that uses video, archival photographs, maps, and first-hand accounts to bring this forgotten Connecticut tragedy back to life. It explores the men who were on the bridge, the storm that struck, and the extraordinary rescue efforts that followed. It is a story of work, loss, courage, and community. It is a powerful window into Connecticut’s past.
The presentation is given by Rit Carter, a long-form journalist.
Tuesday, October 20 from 3:00-4:00pm
Program is free and registration is required