Baltimore’s Lost Landmark: Aerial Insights into the Francis Scott Key Bridge

The end of an era for Baltimore

Steel twisted like ribbons, concrete crumbled like sand — the images of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse have etched themselves into our minds. News and social media outlets have afforded us a plethora of imagery of the wreckage, including close-up photos, drone footage, and even underwater sonar imagery. Journalists briefed us on its ties to the “Star-Spangled Banner” and the American Revolution. HistoricAerials provides a unique perspective of the Key Bridge from its beginning.

Aerial imagery of the Baltimore area is available on HistoricAerials from as early as 1957. The image from 1966 shows the outer harbor of the Patapsco River between Hawkins Point on the west and Sollers Point on the east before any crossing existed. This was about time that officials began discussing the need for an “outer harbor crossing” to ease traffic congestion and complete the beltway loop around Baltimore.

The Outer Harbor Crossing initially planned as a two-lane tunnel

Shippers and other maritime interests believed that a bridge would create navigational problems. So the initial legislation permitting bond issues required that the planned route be a tunnel. However, when the proposed bids for two-lane tunnel construction turned out to be much costlier than estimated, officials ordered a “re-examination of the entire project to determine if a bridge could be built instead of a tunnel.” 

Even while the project was in limbo, the State Roads Commission allowed construction to begin on two causeway embankments, which were originally “designed specifically for an underwater crossing of the outer harbor…based on the belief that the causeways could be incorporated into a bridge crossing if the plans were changed.” The causeways were completed in early 1971, both of which can be seen jutting out into the Patapsco River from both shores in the HistoricAerials image from that year.

Plans for the two-lane tunnel shifted in favor of a four-lane bridge, and construction on the bridge began in August 1972. Early photos of the bridge’s development show how the embankments were utilized as foundation for the approaches to the truss bridge. It took nearly five years to complete, and opened to the public in March 1977. 

For nearly half a century, the Key Bridge gracefully spanned the waters of the Patapsco River, serving as a monumental landmark, facilitating the flow of commuters, tourists, and goods. The bridge was more than just a passageway; it was a lifeline connecting communities, fostering economic growth, and enabling countless journeys. Though it now belongs to the annals of history, the spirit of the Key Bridge will endure, immortalized in the collective memory of the community it so faithfully served.

Feature Showcase

With our side-by-side comparison, you'll see the Key Bridge as it was in 1994 on the right, and 2021 on the left. Click HERE to try it for yourself.

New Images Added

• Added aerial photo coverage for all of Amelia County Virginia in the year 1959. View of the county seat Amelia Court House Virginia in 1959.

• Added aerial photo coverage for all of Callahan County Texas in the year 1958. View of Texas and Pacific Railway Depot located in Baird Texas in 1958.

• Added aerial photo coverage for all of Hawkins County Tennessee in the year 1960. View of the county seat Rogersville Tennessee in 1960.

• Added aerial photo coverage for St. Clair County Alabama in the year 1957 and 1958. View of Pell City Alabama in the year 1958.

• Added aerial photo coverage for all of Bexar County Texas in the year 1959. View of Lackland Air Force Base located in San Antonio Texas in 1959.

• Added aerial photo coverage for all of Iberia Parish Louisiana in the year 1957. View of Avery Island a salt dome best known as the source of Tabasco sauce as seen in 1957.

• Added aerial photo coverage for Taylor County Texas in the years 1957 and 1958. View of Dyess Air Force Base established as Abilene Army Air Base located in Abilene Texas as seen in 1958.

• Added aerial photo coverage for Gloucester County Virginia in the years 1960 and 1961. View of the county seat Gloucester Courthouse Virginia in the year 1960.

• Added aerial photo coverage for Shackelford County Texas in the years 1957 and 1958. View of the county seat Albany Texas in the year 1958.

• Added aerial photo coverage for all of Hancock County Tennessee in the year 1960. View of the county seat Sneedville Tennessee in 1960.

• Added aerial photo coverage for Calhoun County Alabama in the years 1957 and 1958. View of Anniston Cotton Manufacturing Company Cotton Mill located in Anniston Alabama as seen in the year 1957.

• Added aerial photo coverage for Llano County Texas in the years 1957 and 1958. View of the county seat Llano Texas in the year 1957.

• Added aerial photo coverage for Limestone County Alabama in the years 1957 and 1958. View of Athens State University fka Athens College located in Athens Alabama as seen in the year 1958.

• Added aerial photo coverage for all of Bee County Texas in the year 1958. View of Naval Air Station Chase Field as seen in 1958.

• Added aerial photo coverage for all of Caroline County Virginia in the year 1962. View of the county seat Bowling Green Virginia in 1962.

• Added aerial photo coverage for all of Goliad County Texas in the year 1958. View of Fannin Battleground State Historic Site which commemorates the Battle of Coleto Creek, a battle of the Texas Revolution as seen in 1958.

• Added aerial photo coverage for Jefferson County Tennessee in the years 1959 and 1960. View of the county seat Dandridge Tennessee in the year 1960.

• Added aerial photo coverage for all of Macon County Alabama in the year 1958. View of Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site at Moton Field in Tuskegee Alabama in 1958.

"Through the Lens" Documentary Update

More filming in the works for our Historical Aerial Imagery documentary “Through the Lens!”.

We are currently in the thrilling process of crafting a documentary that charts the remarkable journey of aerial photography. From the pioneering days of hot air balloons to the cutting-edge advancements in satellite and drone technology, our exploration covers a vast timeline of innovation.

To learn more, view our teaser trailer on Youtube here.

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