Dreibelbis Station Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Dreibelbis Station Bridge
|
|
,_Lenhartsville_vicinity,_(Berks_County,_Pennsylvania).jpg) |
|
 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
|
|
| Nearest city | Lenhartsville, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1869 |
| Architectural style | Burr Arch Truss |
| MPS | Berks County Covered Bridges TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 81000530 |
| Added to NRHP | February 23, 1981 |
The Dreibelbis Station Bridge is a really old and cool covered bridge in Pennsylvania. It's 172 feet long and stretches over Maiden Creek, just south of Lenhartsville. This special bridge was built way back in 1869.
It's not just any bridge; it's a historic landmark! On February 23, 1981, the Dreibelbis Station Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's an important part of American history and worth protecting.
Contents
What Makes the Dreibelbis Station Bridge Special?
The Dreibelbis Station Bridge is a type of structure called a covered bridge. These bridges are made mostly of wood and have a roof and sides, just like a barn or a house. This design protects the wooden parts from rain, snow, and sun. Because of this, covered bridges can last a very long time.
This particular bridge uses a special design called a Burr Arch Truss. Imagine a strong wooden arch combined with a crisscross pattern of beams. This combination makes the bridge super sturdy and able to hold a lot of weight. It was a very popular and effective way to build bridges in the 1800s.
A Glimpse into the Past
When you walk or drive through the Dreibelbis Station Bridge, it's like stepping back in time. In 1869, when it was built, cars didn't exist! People traveled by horse and buggy, and these bridges were vital for connecting towns and farms. They helped people get their goods to market and visit friends and family.
Many covered bridges have disappeared over the years due to floods, fires, or simply being replaced by newer bridges. That's why the Dreibelbis Station Bridge is so important. It's one of the few remaining examples of this type of engineering from that era.
Why Are Covered Bridges Covered?
You might wonder why bridges needed roofs and walls. The main reason was to protect the large wooden timbers that made up the bridge's structure. Wood, when exposed to the weather, can rot and weaken over time. The roof and sides act like a shield, keeping the wood dry and safe.
This protection helped the bridges last much longer than open wooden bridges. It was a smart design choice that saved money on repairs and replacements in the long run. Plus, the enclosed space could offer shelter to travelers during storms.
National Register of Historic Places
Being listed on the National Register of Historic Places is a big deal for any building or structure. It means that experts have decided that the Dreibelbis Station Bridge is historically significant. It tells a story about how people lived, worked, and built things in the past.
This listing helps to ensure that the bridge will be preserved for future generations. It encourages communities to take care of these historic treasures. The Dreibelbis Station Bridge is a proud part of Berks County, Pennsylvania's heritage. It reminds us of the clever ways engineers and builders solved problems long ago.
