The Napoleon Bridge: A piece of county history comes to life

The Napoleon Bridge: A piece of county history comes to life

The oldest bridges in the county of Bentheim are true witnesses from the 18th century. These impressive buildings not only have a functional purpose, but also tell stories from times gone by. So reported GN Online, that two of the three bridges are located along the Ohner Diek in the extreme southwest of the county, while the third bridge crosses the Lee between Wietmarschen and Veldhausen. All three bridges are part of important transport axes in regional history and have been successfully preserved in recent decades.

In the current episode of “Grafschaft 2 Go”, Rolf dedicates himself to the historical background and the special features of these memorable buildings. The focus is particularly on the “Napoleon Bridge”, which received its name during the French era. A wooden bridge was originally built at this point in 1646/47 Bad Bentheim documented. However, this wooden bridge had the disadvantage that it was at risk of flooding and was hardly economically viable.

The development of the Napoleon Bridge

In 1793, today's Napoleon Bridge finally saw the light of day as a solid sandstone bridge. Over time, the bridge found its place in the regional infrastructure. However, it lost its importance after the construction of the road from Salzbergen to Bentheim in 1857. From then on it was economically unprofitable to continue using them. Fortunately, a planned demolition in 1977 was prevented and the bridge could be renovated and preserved from then on.

An exciting discovery during the renovation in 2017 made the history of the bridge even more vivid: an old stone with a lion's head came to light, which is now on display in the old church school in Schüttorf. Such discoveries contribute to the identity of the region and arouse the interest of both residents and numerous tourists.

Bridges as cultural heritage

Bridges are much more than just crossings; They connect history piece by piece and contribute to the identity of a region. How Monuments Online clarified, bridges are not only technical masterpieces, but also cultural symbols. In many cities they are decorated with statues and are a part of urban life. Whether in Regensburg, where the Stone Bridge has since been considered a unique crossing over the Danube, or in other places - they all leave their mark on history.

Let's take a step back into the past together and learn from the historical connections that still accompany us today. The Napoleon Bridge, one of the oldest of its kind, is an exemplary testimony to this combination of functionality and history.