Bridge in Portage Township facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bridge in Portage Township
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Western side
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Pennsylvania Route 53 over Bens Creek, Portage Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1832 |
| Architect | Allegheny Portage Railroad |
| Architectural style | Circular arch |
| MPS | Highway Bridges Owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 88000782 |
| Added to NRHP | June 22, 1988 |
The Bridge in Portage Township is a very old stone bridge in Portage Township, Pennsylvania. It was built a long time ago, in 1832, and is still standing today. This bridge is special because of its history and how it was made.
The Historic Stone Arch Bridge
This bridge is known as a stone arch bridge. This means it was built using strong stones shaped into a curved arch. The arch helps the bridge hold a lot of weight. It crosses over a stream called Bens Creek. The bridge is about 18 feet (5.5 meters) long.
Built by Railroad Pioneers
The bridge was built by the Allegheny Portage Railroad. This was a very important railroad system in the early 1800s. It helped connect the eastern and western parts of Pennsylvania. The railroad used a mix of trains and canals to move goods and people. Building bridges like this one was key for their tracks to cross over rivers and valleys. The stones used to build the bridge are called coursed ashlar. This means they are carefully cut and shaped blocks of stone laid in even rows.
A Protected Landmark
Because of its age and importance, the Bridge in Portage Township was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988. This is a special list of places in the United States that are important to history. Being on this list helps protect the bridge so it can be enjoyed for many more years.
