The History of Covered Bridges

Covered bridges are a large part of Americana.

Covered bridges were built to span waterways and make travel possible across counties and countries. The bridges were covered, not so a couple could steal a kiss, but to protect the trusses and insure the longer life of the bridge.

Beginnings

The first covered bridges were built in Babylon around 780 BC. The next nation to develop the bridges was China, approximately two thousand years ago. The development of these bridges reflected the country's need for water crossings beyond the use of fords and ferries.

Global Identity

After Babylon and China, covered bridges began to spring up around the world. In 1333, the Kappellbrucke Bridge was built near Lucerne, Switzerland. Vietnam built the bridge at Hoi An in 1595. And America built it's first covered bridge, The Permanent Bridge in Pensylvania in 1805. Canada has the longest covered bridge, The Hartland Bridge, that spans the Saint John River.

Truss Styles

The Burr-Arch truss was patented in 1817, this design featured an arch as indicated by it's name. The Warren truss consists of kingposts that shape a W within the supports. A Howe truss is a simple design using angle blocks. A Pratt truss, developed by Thomas and Caleb Pratt, is a combination truss.

References

• Georgia Department of Transportation: History of Covered Bridges
• New England Vacations Guide: Covered Bridges -
• News Letter: History of Covered Bridges