Delta Trestle Bridge, Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Delta Trestle Bridge, Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad tracks over an unnamed stream, east of Bunker Hill Road, north of Delta, Peach Bottom Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1875 |
| Architect | S.M. Manifold, John A. Barnett |
| Architectural style | Trestle |
| MPS | Railroad Resources of York County MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 95000550 |
| Added to NRHP | May 4, 1995 |
The Delta Trestle Bridge is a really old and important wooden railroad bridge. It's located in Peach Bottom Township, York County, Pennsylvania. This bridge was built way back in 1875. It's super long, stretching about 393 feet (or 120 meters) across a deep valley.
This special bridge was built by the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad. Its main job was to connect two higher pieces of land that were separated by a big dip or "ravine." Imagine trying to get a train across a huge ditch – that's where a bridge like this comes in handy!
Contents
What is a Trestle Bridge?
A trestle bridge is a type of bridge that uses many small supports, called "trestles," to hold up the main part of the bridge. These trestles are usually made of wood or steel. They look a bit like tall, skinny towers.
Why Trestles are Used
Trestle bridges are great for crossing wide, shallow valleys or swamps. They are often cheaper and faster to build than other types of bridges. The Delta Trestle Bridge used wood, which was a common building material back in the 1800s.
History of the Delta Trestle Bridge
The Delta Trestle Bridge was a key part of the Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad. This railroad, often called the "Ma & Pa" by locals, was important for moving goods and people. It connected towns and farms in rural areas.
Building the Bridge
The bridge was designed by S.M. Manifold and John A. Barnett. They were the architects who figured out how to build such a long wooden structure. Building a bridge like this in 1875 was a huge engineering challenge!
A Rare Survivor
Today, the Delta Trestle Bridge is very special because it's one of only two original trestle bridges left from the entire Maryland and Pennsylvania Railroad. The other one is the Taylor Trestle, located in York Township, Pennsylvania. These bridges are like living pieces of history, showing us how railroads were built long ago.
National Recognition
Because of its historical importance and unique design, the Delta Trestle Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is an official list kept by the United States government. It includes buildings, structures, sites, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. When something is on this list, it means it's recognized as a valuable part of our country's heritage.
Protecting History
Being on the National Register helps protect these special places. It encourages people to preserve them for future generations. The Delta Trestle Bridge is a great example of how we can learn about the past through old structures.
Images for kids
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The Delta Trestle Bridge, a historic wooden railroad bridge.
