Bogert Covered Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bogert Covered Bridge
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Bogert Covered Bridge, October 2012
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | S of Allentown on LR 39016, Little Lehigh Park, Allentown, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1841 |
| Architectural style | Burr truss |
| MPS | Covered Bridges of the Delaware River Watershed TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 80003552 |
| Added to NRHP | December 1, 1980 |
The Bogert Covered Bridge is a really old wooden bridge in Allentown, Pennsylvania. It's a special kind of bridge called a covered bridge because it has walls and a roof, like a long tunnel! This bridge is about 145 feet (44 meters) long. It was built way back in 1841. The bridge uses a unique design called a Burr Truss. The Allentown Parks Department helped fix it up so everyone can still enjoy it today.
Contents
History of the Bogert Bridge
The Bogert Covered Bridge was built between 1841 and 1842. It got its name from the Bogert family.
Early Crossings and the Peacemaker
A man named Peter Bogert bought the land where the bridge now stands in 1744. It was part of his farm. Before the bridge, people used to cross the Little Lehigh Creek by placing stones in the water.
In the 1760s, a simple bridge made of logs was built there. Later, it was replaced with a wooden plank bridge.
Native American people once complained that this bridge blocked their canoes. Peter Bogert helped solve the problem. They felt he was fair to everyone. After that, they called him "the Peacemaker."
How the Bridge Was Built
The Bogert Bridge uses a special design called a Burr Truss. Theodore Burr from Connecticut created this design in the early 1800s. The main part of this design is two long arch trusses. These arches rest on strong supports at each end of the bridge.
Local workers built the bridge. John Waltman, who was only 16, worked on it as a carpenter's helper.
Challenges and Accidents
For many years, the bridge was an important crossing. It carried S. 24th Street, which connected major state roads. In 1945, the Pennsylvania Department of Highways took care of the bridge.
However, the bridge faced some tough times. On February 19, 1956, a fast-moving truck hit the bridge. It broke seven of the bridge's large wooden beams. The roof of the bridge started to sag.
At first, Lehigh County wanted to tear down the bridge. They thought it was too dangerous for traffic. But more damage happened! On May 30, 1957, another truck crashed into the bridge. This time, it smashed the roof and caused even more damage.
Saving the Bridge
Many people thought the Bogert Bridge would be destroyed. But a group called the "Save the Bogert's Bridge Committee" started a campaign. They wrote many letters to save it.
In 1957, they got approval from the state. S. 24th Street was moved to a new bridge built nearby. This meant the old covered bridge would no longer be used for heavy traffic.
The state rebuilt the covered bridge. In 1964, they gave it to the city of Allentown.
Bogert Bridge Today
Today, the Bogert Covered Bridge is the oldest covered bridge in Lehigh County. It is also one of the oldest in the entire country!
Now, only people walking or riding bikes can use the bridge. It's a great place to visit. In 1980, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a very important historical site.
Gallery
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1965
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2012
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Inside the bridge
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Looking south from the bridge
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Looking north from the bridge
