Craddock Bridge Plaque

Across the Mystic River, the Craddock Bridge Plaque whispers tales of a time long past. The Craddock Bridge Plaque marks the spot of the original Mystic Bridge. It was a vital artery in the 17th century. It was built in 1637 by men working for Matthew Cradock. He was a London merchant and the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Company. Craddock never set foot in Medford. Yet, he owned most of the land. His workers built the first bridge across the Mystic River. It was a wooden structure. The bridge spanned an impressive 154 feet and 5 inches, and charged a toll for cattle crossing it. The bridge’s unusual length was necessary due to the lower land level in Medford Square back then. High tides frequently flooded the area. The bridge needed to reach higher ground on both sides. The ingenious construction involved laying brush and elm logs in the mud. This created a sturdy foundation for the bridge abutment. Despite its ingenuity, the bridge sparked disputes. Boat traffic struggled to navigate past it. Neighboring towns contested paying for its upkeep. For almost 150 years, the arguments continued. Until 1787, the Craddock Bridge remained the sole passage over the Mystic River. Travelers between Salem and Boston relied on it. They either forded the river, used ferries, or paid the toll. This traffic brought economic benefits to Medford’s merchants, innkeepers, and farmers. In 1857, the Mystic Bridge was renamed the Craddock Bridge. This honored Matthew Cradock and his contribution to Medford’s early development. The Craddock Bridge Plaque stands as a reminder of this legacy. It speaks of a time when a simple wooden bridge shaped the lives and commerce of a burgeoning community.