Wed, 06 May 2026 18:54:21 +0000

This Bridge Built by Ben Franklin Changed History—History Hasn’t Forgotten It When most people think of Thomas Jefferson or Benjamin Franklin, their minds drift toward politics, diplomacy, or scientific invention. But few realize that Franklin’s influence extended far beyond his famous kite experiments and role as a Founding Father—he played an underappreciated but pivotal role in America’s early infrastructure, including a bridge that changed how cities and commerce evolved: this bridge built by Benjamin Franklin. ### The Forgotten Legacy of Franklin’s Bridge Though long gone, the bridge designed and championed by Benjamin Franklin in 1780s Philadelphia remains a symbol of visionary innovation that reshaped urban development and transportation. While not as widely recognized as his contributions to voting from his bed or drafting the Declaration, Franklin’s bridge innovation set a precedent in American engineering and set history firmly on a path toward modern infrastructure.