This Washington city is known for its adorable squirrel bridge
About two hours south of Seattle, you’ll find the city of Longview, Washington. This relatively new city is located ninety miles from the Pacific Ocean, and has an interesting claim to fame. Longview is home to the Nutty Narrows Squirrel Bridge.
As they like to say, “San Francisco has its cable cars. Seattle has its Space Needle. And, Longview has its squirrel bridge.”
According to the City of Longview, “the bridge, across Olympia Way near Civic Center circle, has attracted international attention and is now a local landmark.”
The Nutty Narrows Bridge history
Back in 1963, the Nutty Narrows Bridge was built by a local builder, the late Amos Peters. Peters built it to “give squirrels a way to cross the busy thoroughfare without getting flattened by passing cars.” It was originally built over Olympia Way, on the west edge of the library grounds.
The City states that before the bridge was built, “squirrels had to dodge traffic to and from the Park Plaza office building where office staff put out a nutty feast for the squirrels. Many times, Peters and others who worked in and near Park Plaza witnessed squirrels being run over.”
It is said that after Peters saw a dead squirrel with a nut still in its mouth, they began to discuss safety for the little animals. And after getting the bridge idea, they asked City Council about it, and it was approved!
“Councilwoman Bess LaRiviere jokingly dubbed the bridge Nutty Narrows. The name stuck,” says the City.
Using $1,000, they built the 60-foot bridge from aluminum and lengths of fire hose.
Nutty Narrows replaced & where it is today
After it was built, the City reports that squirrels were seen escorting their young and teaching them the ropes.
This led to the bridge becoming a sensation, and a story in newspapers globally.
“In 1983, after 20 years of use, Peters took down the worn-out bridge. Repairs were made and crosspieces were replaced,” reads the history of the famous crossing.
The Original Nutty Narrows bridge can be found on Olympia Way, between 18th Avenue and Maple St, in Longview.
Additionally, four other similar bridges have been built, and as of 2023 Longview has nine squirrel bridges! You can check them out here.
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