Bridging the Hudson: The Poughkeepsie Railroad Bridge and Its Connecting Rail Lines, by Carleton Mabee,

provides a full history of this iconic bridge.  The book is available for sale by calling the Walkway office at 845-454-9649. The cost is $26, including tax.

Excerpt from the book: "The Poughkeepsie railroad bridge was the first bridge to be built over the Hudson River from the ocean all the way up to Albany. It was a technological wonder. Opened in 1889 soon after the Brooklyn Bridge opened, it is not only higher above the water than the Brooklyn Bridge, and founded deeper in the water, but also longer. When it opened, its promoters claimed it was the longest bridge in the world."