Completed in 1921, it was the final link in New York's first north-south highway on the West Shore of the Hudson, and is considered an important engineering accomplishment associated with the development of early motoring.

Construction began in 1916, with the intent to replacing the Rondout Creek chain ferry named Skillypot, known for sporadic service.

[1] The bridge was designed by the firms of Holton D. Robinson and John A. Roebling's Sons Company,[2] with Holton D. Robinson, Daniel E. Moran, William Yates listed as chief engineers[3] Construction was hampered by local political and financial difficulties, as well as material shortages caused by entry by the United States into World War I, and was suspended until 1920.

[6] The Kingston–Port Ewen Suspension Bridge was featured in the 2017 film Growing Up Smith, a coming-of-age story set in 1979 about an Indian-American boy navigating life in a small American town.

Its inclusion in the film adds to its cultural significance, showcasing its role beyond transportation as a scenic landmark in the Hudson Valley.