Sidaway Bridge — Attraction in Cleveland

The Sidaway foot bridge is the only suspension bridge in Cleveland history. It also has a fascinating past going back to the Hough Riots, around which time it closed. It was constructed in 1931 as a way to connect the Kinsman Neighborhood with the old Polish Jackowo neighborhood. As blacks emigrated post slavery to northern cities for industrial jobs, they settled primarily on the east side of Cleveland. In the late 1950's the Garden Valley housing projects were constructed. Children from Garden valley would use the Sidaway bridge to cross and go to school. Two neighborhoods stood culturally separate and connected by the bridge, which was built exclusively as a foot bridge. Then came the Hough Riots in the 60's. Shortly after the riots and during this strained time, residents from the Jackowo neighborhood (it is thought) ripped up wood decking on their side of the bridge, and attempted to set fire to it. This prevented residents of the Kinsman side from crossing the bridge. The city closed the bridge. Efforts have been made to repair and reopen the bridge, to no avail. The bridge was also the scene of the famous "torso murders" in the late 1930's. The Sidaway bridge still stands as a reminder of times past. It is a fascinating place to explore. I have brought my children here on several occasions to see and touch the history of our great and often troubled Cleveland. Although a great site to visit, be very careful because there are areas that are very dangerous and the condition of the bridge appears tentative. It is not really possible to go out onto the bridge, as the decking has long since been removed and access is blocked...

My husband does work in this area of Cleveland so we have been staying in one of the homes he worked on. Little did I know that this historical bridge was at the end of our street. I knew nothing about the history and had never even heard of it before. I read other reviews that say you can't get close to it. Not true. On the Francis Ave/e 65th end of it, you're pretty close. The area is not the greatest, not that I've ever had any problems since living here the past year, it's actually pretty quiet, but things are rundown and need replacing in the area. I don't know exactly what street the other side of the bridge starts at, I'm thinking maybe kinsman Road, but I would say the end I'm showing is probably the safer area. If you're from a comfy suburb, this might scare you a little bit. Lol Interesting what we have in our backyards and don't...

I visited this place just in search of unknown things in Cleveland after 33yrs of living close to this bridge They same bridge that was known for being Burned because of 2 neighborhoods battling over territories If my studies are Correct it was Black and Whites Polish and Blacks that were fueding over this territory And in the end Someone set fire to the planks which burned the walking path and never been restored

Well what am I talking about I'm talking about Blacks and Whites Polish and Blacks Sadly doing this To both Communities Just to have Me A Polish and Black Black and White Person Residing in the same place they were Battling Over I would love to be there When they take it down and when the new one is Built

I stand up for...