Day Covered Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Day Covered Bridge
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![]() Southern portal and eastern side of the bridge
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Nearest city | Prosperity, Pennsylvania |
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Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
Built | 1875 |
Architectural style | Queenpost truss |
MPS | Covered Bridges of Washington and Greene Counties TR |
NRHP reference No. | 79002356 |
Added to NRHP | June 22, 1979 |
The Day Covered Bridge is a special old bridge in Morris Township, Washington County, Pennsylvania. It's called a "covered bridge" because it has walls and a roof, just like a house! This helps protect the wooden parts of the bridge from weather.
This historic bridge is 12 feet wide and about 36 and a half feet long. It sits on three strong stone and mortar supports called abutments. The Day Covered Bridge was built in 1875.
Contents
Discover the Day Covered Bridge
Why Bridges Have Covers
Covered bridges are like tunnels for cars and people. They were built with roofs and sides to protect the wooden parts of the bridge. Wood can rot or get damaged by rain, snow, and sun. The cover acts like a shield, making the bridge last much longer.
How the Day Bridge Was Built
The Day Covered Bridge uses a special design called a Queenpost truss. A truss is a framework of beams that supports a structure. The Queenpost truss uses two main vertical posts and a top beam to create a strong, stable triangle shape. This design helps the bridge hold a lot of weight.
The bridge's sides and entrances are covered with vertical wooden planks. It also has a roof made of sheet metal. This design helps keep the weather out and protects the wooden structure inside.
Keeping History Alive
In 2003, the Day Covered Bridge got a big update! This project added strong steel beams underneath to give it extra support. Workers also put on a brand new roof, replaced the floor, and fixed the sidewalls. These repairs help make sure the bridge stays safe and strong for many more years.
The Washington County History & Landmarks Foundation has officially recognized the Day Covered Bridge as a historic landmark. This means it's an important part of the area's history and is worth protecting. It's a great example of old-fashioned engineering and a reminder of how people built things long ago.