Factory Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Factory Bridge
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The bridge in November 2008
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1 mile (1.6 km) west of White Deer on Township 629, White Deer Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1880 |
| Architectural style | King & Queen Trusses |
| MPS | Union County Covered Bridges TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 80003645 |
| Added to NRHP | February 8, 1980 |
The Factory Bridge, also known as Horsham Bridge, is a really old and special wooden covered bridge in White Deer Township, Union County, Pennsylvania. Imagine a long wooden tunnel crossing a creek! This bridge is about 60 feet (18 meters) long. It was built way back in 1880 and has been fixed up a few times since then, in 1954 and 1976. It helps people cross the White Deer Creek.
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What Makes Factory Bridge Special?
The Factory Bridge is not just any bridge; it's a historic landmark! It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980. This means it's an important place that the United States government wants to protect because of its history and unique design.
How Covered Bridges Work
Have you ever wondered why some bridges have roofs and walls? These are called covered bridges! They were built this way to protect the wooden parts of the bridge from rain, snow, and sun. Just like a roof protects a house, the cover protects the bridge's strong wooden frame. This helps the bridge last much longer. Without the cover, the wood would rot and wear out quickly.
The King and Queen Truss Design
The Factory Bridge uses a special building method called a "King and Queen truss" design.
- A truss is a strong framework of triangles. Builders use triangles because they are very stable and can hold a lot of weight.
- A King post truss uses a single central post (the "king post") to support the middle of the bridge.
- A Queen post truss uses two posts (the "queen posts") with a horizontal beam connecting their tops.
The Factory Bridge combines both of these designs to make it extra strong and stable. This clever engineering helped it stand for over 140 years!
Where is the Bridge Located?
You can find the Factory Bridge about one mile (1.6 kilometers) west of White Deer. It's located on Township 629 in White Deer Township, Pennsylvania. It's a beautiful spot where the bridge crosses over the White Deer Creek.
A Look at Its History
The Factory Bridge was built in 1880. Back then, covered bridges were very common. They were important for travel and trade, connecting communities across rivers and creeks. Over the years, the Factory Bridge has seen many seasons and many people cross its path. It's a reminder of how things were built in the past and how important these structures were for everyday life. Even though it's old, it's been carefully repaired to keep it safe and strong for many more years.
