Diehls Covered Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Diehls Covered Bridge
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![]() Diehls Covered Bridge, 1994
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Location | South of Schellsburg on Legislative Route 09057, east of New Buena Vista, Harrison Township, Pennsylvania |
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Area | less than one acre |
MPS | Bedford County Covered Bridges TR |
NRHP reference No. | 80003420 |
Added to NRHP | April 10, 1980 |
The Diehls Covered Bridge, also called Turner's Bridge, is a special old wooden bridge. You can find it in Harrison Township, which is in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. This bridge is famous because it's one of the few remaining covered bridges in the area.
Covered bridges are unique because they have walls and a roof, just like a house. This covering helps protect the wooden parts of the bridge from rain, snow, and sun. This way, the bridge lasts much longer.
What is the Diehls Covered Bridge?
The Diehls Covered Bridge was built a long time ago, in 1892. It's made entirely of wood and stretches about 88 feet (or 26.9 meters) across the Raystown Branch Juniata River. Imagine a bridge that's almost as long as three school buses!
How Was Diehls Covered Bridge Built?
This bridge uses a special design called a Burr Truss. A truss is like a strong framework that supports the bridge. The Burr Truss design was invented by an engineer named Theodore Burr. It uses a mix of arches and crisscrossing beams to make the bridge super strong and stable. This design helps the bridge carry heavy loads and stand firm for many years.
The Diehls Covered Bridge also has a shallow gable roof. This kind of roof slopes gently on both sides, helping rain and snow slide off easily. This keeps the wooden structure dry and protected.
Why is Diehls Covered Bridge Important?
The Diehls Covered Bridge is one of 15 historic covered bridges in Bedford County. These bridges are like living pieces of history. They show us how people built things in the past.
Because it's so special and well-preserved, the Diehls Covered Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This is a list of important places in the United States that are worth protecting. Being on this list means the bridge is recognized for its historical and engineering importance. It's a reminder of the craftsmanship from over a century ago.