Chitwood, Oregon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chitwood, Oregon
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Chitwood Bridge
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 Chitwood, Oregon
Location in Oregon
Chitwood, Oregon
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Oregon |
| County | Lincoln |
| Elevation | 141 ft (43 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-8 (PST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-7 (PDT) |
| Coordinates and elevation from United States Geological Survey | |
Chitwood is a small, quiet place in Lincoln County, Oregon, United States. It's not a city or a town with its own government. Instead, it's called an unincorporated community. This means it's a group of homes and businesses that are part of the larger county. Chitwood is located along U.S. Route 20, a main road that connects it to bigger places like Toledo and Eddyville. The beautiful Yaquina River also flows right through Chitwood.
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History of Chitwood
Chitwood has an interesting past, especially with its connection to railroads.
Early Railway Days
Long ago, Chitwood was an important stop on a railway line. This railway connected Corvallis to Toledo. The railway was built between 1881 and 1885.
The community was named after Joshua Chitwood. He lived nearby when the railway was being built.
The Yaquina Route
This railway line was first known as the Yaquina Route. It was part of the Oregon Pacific Railroad. The line helped connect the port city of Yaquina to inland towns. These towns included Corvallis and Albany.
Changes Over Time
The Oregon Pacific Railroad later faced financial problems. After many years of money and legal issues, it became a branch line. In 1907, it joined the Southern Pacific railway system.
Post Office in Chitwood
Chitwood also had its own post office. It opened in 1887. The post office served the community for many years. It finally closed its doors in 1945.
Chitwood Bridge
One of the most famous landmarks in Chitwood is its covered bridge.
Building the Bridge
The Chitwood Bridge is a special type of bridge. It is a covered bridge, meaning it has a roof and sides. Lincoln County built this bridge in Chitwood in 1926.
Saving the Bridge
Years later, in 1984, the bridge was going to be torn down. But instead, it was saved! A special project helped to restore and improve it. This project received money from the government.
Bridge Design
The Chitwood Bridge is a Howe truss bridge. This is a specific design for bridges. It is 96 feet (29 m) long. It stands as a historic reminder of the area's past.
