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Washington, D.C., District of Columbia / Landmarks

Francis Scott Key Bridge

An elegant reinforced concrete arch bridge carrying U.S. Route 29, connecting the historic Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., with Rosslyn in Arlington, Virginia.

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Francis Scott Key Bridge
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What is the Francis Scott Key Bridge known for?

The bridge is notable for its elegant and simple Classical design and is a reinforced concrete arch bridge. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

Where is the Francis Scott Key Bridge located?

It spans the Potomac River, connecting the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., and the Rosslyn neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia.

When was the Francis Scott Key Bridge completed?

Construction was completed in 1923, although some sources indicate it was completed in 1924.

What should I check before going?

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What to know

The Francis Scott Key Bridge is a skillfully designed reinforced concrete arch bridge that spans the Potomac River. Designed by Nathan C. Wyeth in 1916, the structure was completed in 1923 to replace the Aqueduct Bridge as the primary river crossing for Georgetown. The bridge is celebrated for its simple Classical design and was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. Named on June 1, 1916, by the Army Corps of Engineers, the bridge honors Francis Scott Key, the author of the lyrics to the "Star Spangled Banner." The location is particularly poignant as Key's former home was situated just a few blocks from the bridge's abutment. Originally, the crossing was built to support a mix of automotive, trolley, and pedestrian transit, serving as a vital link between the District and northern Virginia. Over the decades, the bridge has evolved to meet modern traffic demands. While the original structure dates to the early 1920s, the current six-lane configuration first opened for use on March 4, 1957. Today, it continues to carry U.S. Route 29, facilitating heavy commuter flow between Rosslyn and Georgetown. At the Georgetown end, the bridge bisects the Francis Scott Key Memorial Park. This one-acre site, located between M Street and the C&O Canal, commemorates the legacy of the national anthem's author. Visitors to the park can find a brownstone and brick plaza featuring a limestone pergola draped in wisteria.

Visitor tips

  • Visit the Francis Scott Key Memorial Park on the Georgetown side to see the bronze bust of Key.
  • Walk along the pedestrian paths for panoramic views of the Potomac River and the Rosslyn skyline.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes if you plan to cross the bridge on foot to Arlington.

Nearby context

The bridge serves as the gateway between the upscale, historic streets of Georgetown and the high-rise urban center of Rosslyn. It is closely tied to the C&O Canal and M Street, which define the waterfront character of the Georgetown neighborhood.

Sources

Evidence and links