Bridgewater, Virginia

Discover Bridgewater

It's a place defined by a river, both physically and historically. Small streams start in the Appalachian Mountains, flowing east to form the North River, which runs past the town of Bridgewater. From there it forms the South Fork of the Shenandoah, flowing onto the Potomac and to the ocean. It was the river that gave the town of Bridgewater its birth, would later give the town its name and for over 200 years has helped shape the community on the southern edge of Rockingham County.

As European settlers made their way south through the Shenandoah Valley they encountered a myriad of streams, creeks and rivers in their path. Near the current location of Bridgewater there was a shallow area that could be crossed by wagon that later became known as McGill's Ford. A ferry service was begun across the river about 1800 and the first bridge to cross the waters was built about a decade later. In 1810 John Dinkle set up a mill on the river's bank just down from the bridge and the community that grew up beside the river became known as "Dinkletown."

In 1835 the town was chartered and the name "Bridgewater" was chosen. The bridges that had become the town's namesake would be destroyed several times by both nature and by man. One was burnt in 1862 during the Civil War. The covered bridge completed in 1878 was considered the longest single span covered bridge in the world at 250 feet long.

Just across the river near Spring Creek a teacher's school was founded in 1880. By 1882 the school had grown and moved into town and was chartered as a college in 1889. Today Bridgewater College is a private four-year liberal arts college home to 1,800 students. Its presence gives Bridgewater a "college town" feel, bringing NCAA sporting events, world-renowned art, music and speakers to the community.

Bridgewater's recreational opportunities extend beyond the town's boundaries. The George Washington National Forest in the Appalachian Mountains offers hiking and mountain biking trails. The small streams to the south and west of town have become renowned around the country for their fly fishing. The North River itself provides a place for swimming, boating and fishing right beside town.

Today the town that grew up beside the North River is still growing. Bridgewater combines its small town feel with modern conveniences — volunteer fire and rescue squads, reliable high-speed internet, and both public and private school options. The city of Harrisonburg, the county seat of Rockingham, is just four miles away with retail, medical and educational services.