Etters Bridge facts for kids
Etters Bridge, also known as Green Lane Bridge, is a special old bridge in Pennsylvania. It connects Lower Allen Township in Cumberland County with Fairview Township in York County. This historic bridge crosses over the Yellow Breeches Creek.
It was built a long time ago, in 1889. The bridge is about 131-foot-long (40 m) and 18-foot-wide (5.5 m). That's like crossing a football field end-to-end!
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Etters Bridge: A Historic Crossing
What Kind of Bridge Is It?
Etters Bridge is a type of bridge called a Pratt truss bridge. Imagine a bridge made of many triangles. That's what a truss bridge looks like! The Pratt truss design uses these triangles in a special way to make the bridge very strong. It helps the bridge hold up heavy weights and last a long time.
The bridge is made from a strong material called wrought iron. This is a type of iron that was hammered and shaped when it was hot. It was a popular material for building bridges and other structures back in the 1800s.
Who Built This Bridge?
The Etters Bridge was designed and built by a company called Dean & Westbrook. They were the main builders who put the bridge together.
Another important company involved was the Phoenix Bridge Company. They were responsible for making the main metal parts of the bridge. These parts, called the "superstructure," are the framework that holds the bridge up.
Why Is Etters Bridge Important?
Etters Bridge is considered a very important historical structure. Because of its age and unique design, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.
The National Register of Historic Places is a list of places in the United States that are worth saving. These places are important because of their history, architecture, or what they mean to the community. Being on this list helps protect the bridge for future generations to see and learn from.