Bridges have been helping connect us for centuries. Whether they’re natural phenomena or enduring feats of architecture, our lives wouldn’t be the same without them. As the recent collapse of Baltimore’s majestic Francis Scott Key Bridge reminded us, these iconic spans are not just beautiful to look at, they represent the lifeblood of our communities and economies.
Spanning waterways and canyons, supporting pedestrians and locomotives, bridges are everywhere, used by just about every civilization in the modern world to bring people together. With these 15 Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest images, we bring a few to you. Take a look.
Shenyang’s Sanhao Bridge, built in 2008, glows in the dark, illuminating the night over the Hun River.
Wenpeng Xin, China, 2022
This distinct natural bridge isn’t the result of water erosion. Expanding ice caused cracks in the rock, and eventually this opening formed, creating a wonderous walkway. Karin Fleming, Utah, 2022
Part of the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, it’s a relatively short hike to this natural bridge on the southern Oregon coastline, just north of Brookings. Paul Bracey, Oregon, 2020
San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, opened in 1937, makes a magical appearance during a late afternoon summer fog. Jassen Todorov, California, 2020
This high-precision doublet lens flips the image of the iconic Biloxi Bay Bridge. Amber Contant, Mississippi, 1994
The historic Hi-Line Railroad Bridge in Valley City is 3,860 feet long and sits 162 feet above the river. Brenna Winter, North Dakota, 2018
Located in Sedona, a town known of its red rocks, Devil’s Bridge is a natural arch that offers heavenly views. Hikers can cross, if they dare. Jake Virus, Arizona, 2022
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