Adairs Covered Bridge facts for kids
The Adairs Covered Bridge, also known as Cisna Mill Covered Bridge, is a special old wooden bridge with a roof. It's found in Southwest Madison Township, near Blain, in Perry County, Pennsylvania, United States. This bridge is about 150 feet (46 meters) long. It was first built in 1864 and then fixed up in 1919. It helps people cross over Sherman Creek.
Quick facts for kids |
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Adairs Covered Bridge
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Adairs Covered Bridge, October 2010
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | East of Andersonburg on Legislative Route 50009, Southwest Madison Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1864 |
| Architectural style | Burr |
| MPS | Covered Bridges of Adams, Cumberland, and Perry Counties TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 80003594 |
| Added to NRHP | August 25, 1980 |
This historic bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This list helps protect important places in the United States.
Contents
What is a Covered Bridge?
A covered bridge is a special type of bridge that has walls and a roof, just like a house. These coverings protect the wooden parts of the bridge from rain, snow, and sun. This helps the bridge last much longer.
Why Were Bridges Covered?
- Protection from Weather: The main reason was to keep the wooden structure dry. Wood can rot or weaken over time if it's always exposed to the elements.
- Longer Lifespan: By protecting the wood, covered bridges could last for many decades, sometimes even over a century.
- Stronger Design: The roof and sides also added to the overall strength and stability of the bridge.
The Burr Truss Design
The Adairs Covered Bridge uses a special building method called the Burr Truss.
What is a Truss?
A truss is a framework of connected triangles. Engineers use trusses to build strong structures like bridges and roofs. Triangles are very strong shapes because they don't easily change their form when pushed or pulled.
How the Burr Truss Works
- The Burr Truss design was created by an American architect named Theodore Burr.
- It combines two main parts: a series of wooden arches and a king post truss system.
- The arches help carry the weight, while the truss system adds extra support and stiffness.
- This combination makes the bridge very strong and stable, able to handle heavy loads.
History of Adairs Covered Bridge
The Adairs Covered Bridge has been an important crossing point for over 150 years.
Building the Bridge
- The bridge was first built in 1864. This was during a time when many covered bridges were being constructed across Pennsylvania.
- It provided a vital link for local communities, allowing people to travel and transport goods across Sherman Creek.
Rebuilding in 1919
- Like many old structures, the Adairs Covered Bridge needed repairs over time.
- In 1919, the bridge was rebuilt. This means parts of it were replaced or strengthened to keep it safe and usable.
- This rebuilding helped ensure the bridge could continue to serve the area for many more years.
National Register of Historic Places
The Adairs Covered Bridge is recognized as an important historical site.
What is the National Register?
- The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the United States' historic places worthy of preservation.
- It's like a special club for buildings, structures, and sites that are important to American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture.
Why Adairs Bridge is on the List
- Being on the National Register means the Adairs Covered Bridge is considered a significant example of covered bridge construction.
- It helps protect the bridge and makes sure its history is remembered and preserved for future generations.
Gallery
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Interior of the bridge
