Growth of Bridgeport
Growth of Bridgeport in the Years After Incorporation in 1851
The footprint of Bridgeport grew significantly in the years immediately after incorporation in 1851. The transportation boom which occurred earlier in the century made Bridgeport a desirable destination to various types of business owners, travelers, and homeowners. As indicated on the map, here are some of the early businesses and manufacturers who prospered in Bridgeport:
In order to complete the railroad connection from Norristown to Bridgeport, a new bridge had to be constructed in the area known as Swedes’ Ford (where George Washington and the Continental Army crossed the Schuylkill River in the winter of 1777 on their way to Valley Forge). Swedes’ Ford was the narrowest stretch of the Schuylkill River in the area, and probably deemed the easiest location to build another bridge. It is located approximately ½ mile down river from the DeKalb Street Bridge.
The first trains on the Chester Valley Line ran through Bridgeport in 1853, and influenced another change in transportation for the area. The growth of railroad traffic in Bridgeport from the 1830s to 1850s led to a decline in use of the Schuylkill River and the canal system. The Bridgeport Canal is prominently shown on this map. The railroad was more convenient and created more accessibility for passengers and businesses shipping goods and freight.
- Two hotels (with a third – not shown – opening in 1858)
- The Pennsylvania and Reading Railroad Depot and Station
- A Jeweler located on DeKalb Street
- Two Machine Shops – one on Front Street and one on Green Street
- Dr. Holstein’s office on DeKalb
- Two Lumber Yards – one on Front Street, and one near the railroad tracks off Fourth Street
- A Brick Yard on Fourth Street
- A Feed Store on Fourth Street (current site of Demetris Uptown Market)
- A Cotton Manufacturer on Front Street
- A Hat Manufacturer on Ford Street (current site of the Bridgeport Elks Lodge 714)
- Two Carriage Shops – one on DeKalb Street and one on Sixth Street
In order to complete the railroad connection from Norristown to Bridgeport, a new bridge had to be constructed in the area known as Swedes’ Ford (where George Washington and the Continental Army crossed the Schuylkill River in the winter of 1777 on their way to Valley Forge). Swedes’ Ford was the narrowest stretch of the Schuylkill River in the area, and probably deemed the easiest location to build another bridge. It is located approximately ½ mile down river from the DeKalb Street Bridge.
The first trains on the Chester Valley Line ran through Bridgeport in 1853, and influenced another change in transportation for the area. The growth of railroad traffic in Bridgeport from the 1830s to 1850s led to a decline in use of the Schuylkill River and the canal system. The Bridgeport Canal is prominently shown on this map. The railroad was more convenient and created more accessibility for passengers and businesses shipping goods and freight.
Interesting Facts About Bridgeport in the late 1850s – early 1860s
- In 1856, the taxable population was 247 (no specifics on total population)
- In 1860, the total population was 1,011.
- Most of the homes and businesses at this time were built along DeKalb Street and Front Street, in order to take advantage of easy access to State Road 202 and the canal.
