Bridge in West Fallowfield Township facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Bridge in West Fallowfield Township
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West Fallowfield Bridge, March 2011
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Ross Fording Road over Octoraro Creek, near Steelville, West Fallowfield Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1885 |
| Built by | James Denithorne, Phoenix Steel |
| Architectural style | Pratt pony truss |
| MPS | Highway Bridges Owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 88000849 |
| Added to NRHP | June 22, 1988 |
The Bridge in West Fallowfield Township is a historic bridge located in West Fallowfield Township, Pennsylvania. It was built a long time ago, in 1885. This bridge is a special type called a "Pratt pony truss bridge" and it crosses the Octoraro Creek. It's an important part of history because it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Discovering the West Fallowfield Bridge
This bridge is a great example of old engineering. It's made of steel and uses a design called a "Pratt pony truss." Imagine a bridge that looks like a strong, open framework, where the main supports are on the sides and don't go over the top like a tunnel. That's a pony truss!
The bridge has one main section, or "span," that is about 85 feet (26 meters) long. It helps people cross the Octoraro Creek, connecting different parts of Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Building a Strong Bridge: The Phoenix Company
The Bridge in West Fallowfield Township was built in 1885. It was constructed by a famous company called the Phoenix Bridge Company. This company was known for building many strong bridges across the United States. They were located in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.
The Phoenix Bridge Company used their skills to create a durable bridge that has lasted for over a century. Their work helped connect communities and made travel easier for people in the area.
Why Is This Bridge Special?
This bridge is important because it shows how bridges were built in the late 1800s. It's a good example of the "Pratt pony truss" design, which was very popular back then. The bridge has been well-preserved, meaning it still looks much like it did when it was first built.
A Place in History: National Register of Historic Places
In 1988, the Bridge in West Fallowfield Township was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a special list of places in the United States that are important to history, architecture, or culture. When a place is on this list, it means it's recognized for its value and efforts are made to protect it for future generations.
Being on the National Register helps make sure that this historic bridge will be cared for and appreciated for many more years. It reminds us of the past and the clever ways people built things a long time ago.
