The Mystic Bascule Bridge in Connecticut celebrated its 100th anniversary this weekend. It’s the oldest drawbridge of its type still in use in America.
![A local artist unveils a limited edition painting to celebrate the 100th bridge anniversary](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/9e378c4/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4032x2268+0+0/resize/880x495!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fbe%2Fcc%2F136cb211487db658c650534c195f%2Fa-local-artist-unveils-a-limited-edition-painting-to-celebrate-the-100th-bridge-anniversary.jpg)
It was designed by engineer Thomas E. Brown of the famous Otis Elevator Company. A century ago, this bridge was the first of its kind in the country.
![Local leaders speaking at the Mystic Bascule Bridge event with the bridge in the background](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/28af252/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4032x2268+0+0/resize/880x495!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F67%2F7d%2Ff05749af415eac59b6a850a1e971%2Flocal-leaders-speaking-at-the-mystic-bascule-bridge-event-with-the-bridge-in-the-background.jpg)
“The patent number for the Mystic Bridge — 1270925 — was issued in 1922,” State Senator Heather Somers (R-CT) said at a celebration with members of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce for an afternoon of music and a fireworks display. “And the bridge, the Mystic Bridge was opened officially July 19, 1922. So, a lot was happening then.”
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) said the bridge is a symbol of America.
“It’s a legacy. It’s a connection,” Blumenthal said. “And so, this bridge stands and symbolizes more than just its architecture, more than just its construction value.”
“It’s a means of celebrating, and bridges should be celebrated: what brings us together. Two towns, two people, communities and families,” he continued.