How often do you get the chance to stand on a bridge with such a rich history? This is the Cowpasture Bridge. It crosses the Nepean River at Camden. This bridge has been rebuilt several times. Access across the Nepean River has been an issue since European settlement.
The first Cowpasture Bridge was built in 1826. Before that, people forded the river. Governor Macquarie even crossed it in his carriage in 1810. He noted it was easy and safe due to low water. As traffic increased, a bridge became essential.
That first bridge was supervised by convict Samuel Wainwright. Some locals doubted it would last. They thought the 1826 flood would destroy it. But they were wrong. A convict was stationed there to remove rails during floods. In 1827, a toll was introduced. It cost money to cross the Cowpasture Bridge. Crossing on Sundays was forbidden. Offenders faced fines and impounded cattle.
Floods often damaged the Cowpasture Bridge. Repairs were needed after the 1835 flood. Landowners complained in the 1840s. They said the bridge was often underwater. Some described it as a paltry affair. In 1852, part of the bridge washed away.
A new bridge was needed. Tenders were called in 1860 for a five-span timber truss bridge. Cobb and Bocking won the construction tender. They also built the Menangle bridge.
The new Cowpasture Bridge opened on September 30, 1861. There was a grand celebration. Estimates of the crowd size varied. The Empire claimed 50 people. The Sydney Morning Herald boasted 200. Mrs. Bleecke christened the bridge the Camden bridge. She broke a bottle of Camden wine on it. The men then enjoyed a first-rate lunch at the Camden Inn. The ladies amused themselves until the evening. A grand ball followed at Mr. Thompson’s woollen mill. One hundred thirty-four people attended. The party lasted until 4 am.
In 1882, the railway line was laid across the Cowpasture Bridge. This narrowed the roadway to 15 feet. Traffic stopped when trains crossed. Passengers were often notified at Redfern Station. A sign said traffic to Camden stopped at Camden bridge due to flooding.
In 1900, a new steel girder bridge was constructed. It could handle heavier locomotives. This bridge was higher than the 1860 timber truss bridge. During flood times, rail passengers enjoyed a boat ride across the Nepean River. The train stopped at Elderslie Railway Station. Passengers boarded a rowing boat to cross the flooded river.
The Cowpasture Bridge you see now was reconstructed in 1976. The previous bridge was damaged by a flood in 1975. A plaque at the western end commemorates the reconstruction. It lists the officials involved. The Cowpasture Bridge is a vital crossing point. It connects communities and facilitates trade. It has been a pinch point at flood times. The opening of the Macarthur Bridge in 1973 helped ease this issue.
So, as you stand here on the Cowpasture Bridge, remember its long history. It is a testament to the ongoing efforts to connect this region. From convicts building the first bridge to modern engineers. This bridge has played a crucial role in Camden’s story.