Beechdale Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Beechdale Bridge
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Southwest of Berlin off U.S. Route 219, Brothersvalley Township, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1870 |
| Architectural style | Burr arch |
| MPS | Covered Bridges of Somerset County TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 80003628 |
| Added to NRHP | December 10, 1980 |
The Beechdale Bridge, also known as the Burkholder Bridge, is a special old covered bridge located in Brothersvalley Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It helps Township Route 548 cross over Buffalo Creek. This bridge was built way back in 1870. It's one of ten covered bridges you can find in Somerset County.
Contents
What is the Beechdale Bridge?
The Beechdale Bridge is a historic structure. It was built in 1870. We don't know who built it. The county now owns this old bridge. It has a special design called a Burr truss. You can see much of its structure. This is because its side walls are quite low.
Why are Bridges Covered?
You might wonder why some bridges have roofs. Covered bridges were built to protect the wooden parts. Wood can rot or get damaged by rain and snow. A roof keeps the wood dry. This makes the bridge last much longer. The Beechdale Bridge has lasted since 1870!
The Burr Truss Design
The Beechdale Bridge uses a "Burr truss" design. This design was created by a man named Theodore Burr. It combines two types of support. It uses both arches and a special criss-cross pattern of timbers. This makes the bridge very strong. It can hold heavy loads. It also helps the bridge stay stable.
A Historic Landmark
The Beechdale Bridge is very important. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This list includes buildings and places. They are important to American history. Being on this list helps protect the bridge. It ensures it will be around for many more years.
