06/01/2026
Take a look back at Honesdale in the late 1800s.
This photo, taken near 7th Street, captures a time when Honesdale played a vital role in one of America's most important transportation networks. The bridge shown is known as the Basin Bridge, which crossed over the Delaware & Hudson Canal terminal basin. Here, anthracite coal arriving by rail was transferred to canal boats bound for markets in New York City.
The Basin Bridge stood as a symbol of Honesdale's importance in the coal industry and the growth of northeastern Pennsylvania. After a major flood, it was replaced in 1902 by a bowstring truss bridge. That bridge would later meet the same fate during the devastating flood of May 24, 1942, which washed away every bridge in Honesdale and effectively cut the town in half.
It's incredible to think that the streets we travel every day were once at the center of an industry that helped fuel a nation.
Do you remember hearing stories about the 1942 flood or the old canal days? I'd love to hear them in the comments.
Know Honesdale.
Love Honesdale.
Live Honesdale.
