Bitzer's Mill Covered Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bitzer's Mill Covered Bridge |
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One of the sides of the bridge
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| Coordinates | 40°8′25.5″N 76°9′7″W / 40.140417°N 76.15194°W |
| Carries | SR 1013 |
| Crosses | Conestoga River |
| Locale | Lancaster, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Official name | Big Conestoga #2 Bridge |
| Other name(s) | Eberly's Cider Mill, Martin's Mill, Big Conestoga #2, Fiand's, Fiantz's |
| Maintained by | Lancaster County |
| NBI Number | 361013025007460 |
| Characteristics | |
| Total length | 90 ft (27 m) |
| Width | 15 ft (4.6 m) |
| Height | 11.5 ft (3.5 m) |
| Load limit | 20 short tons (18 t) |
| History | |
| Constructed by | George Fink, Sam Reamsnyder |
| MPS | Covered Bridges of Lancaster County TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 80003516 |
| Added to NRHP | December 11, 1980 |
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The Bitzer's Mill Covered Bridge is a historic bridge in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. It crosses the Conestoga River. This bridge is the oldest covered bridge in the county that people still use today! It's also known by other names like Martin's Mill Bridge. Its official name is the Big Conestoga #2 Bridge.
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What Makes This Bridge Special?
The Bitzer's Mill Covered Bridge is built with a special design. It uses a single span of wooden "Burr arch trusses." These are like strong, curved wooden arches. Steel rods also help to hold it together.
How the Bridge Looks
The bridge's floor is made from strong oak wood planks. Later, steel beams were added underneath for extra support. The outside of the bridge is painted red. This is a common color for covered bridges in Lancaster County. The inside of the bridge is not painted. The roads leading up to the bridge are painted white.
Its Place in History
This bridge is very important! It has a special number from the World Guide to Covered Bridges. In 1980, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as a significant historical site.
The bridge is located near Ephrata. You can find it by following Cabin Drive, which turns into Conestoga Creek Road. Then, a left turn onto Cider Mill Road leads right to the bridge.
History of the Bridge
The Bitzer's Mill Covered Bridge was built in 1846. Two builders, George Fink and Sam Reamsnyder, constructed it. It cost about $1,115 back then. They used the strong Burr arch truss design.
Over time, steel beams were put under the bridge. This was done to make sure it stayed strong and safe. The bridge has had different names over the years. These names often came from the mill owners who lived nearby.
In 1962, there was a plan to replace the old wooden bridge with a new concrete one. But many people loved the historic bridge. They spoke up, and the plan was stopped. This shows how much people cared about keeping this special piece of history!
