Feltons Mill Covered Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Feltons Mill Covered Bridge
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Feltons Mill Covered Bridge, 1992
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Township 412, east of Bedford, East Providence Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| MPS | Bedford County Covered Bridges TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 80003413 |
| Added to NRHP | April 10, 1980 |
The Feltons Mill Covered Bridge is a special old wooden bridge in East Providence Township, Bedford County, Pennsylvania. It's called a covered bridge because it has a roof and sides, just like a house! This bridge is about 105-foot-long (32 m) and was built way back in 1892. It crosses over Brush Creek.
This bridge is one of 15 historic covered bridges you can find in Bedford County. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, which means it's an important part of history that should be protected.
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Discover the Feltons Mill Covered Bridge
The Feltons Mill Covered Bridge is a cool example of old-time engineering. It's not just a way to get across water; it's also a piece of art and history. Imagine what it was like to cross this bridge over 100 years ago!
Why Bridges Have Roofs: The Covered Bridge Story
You might wonder why some bridges have roofs. It's a great question!
- Protection from weather: The main reason was to protect the wooden parts of the bridge from rain, snow, and sun. Wood lasts much longer when it's kept dry.
- Stronger structures: The roof and sides also helped make the bridge stronger and more stable.
- Safety for travelers: In the past, some people believed the covers helped keep horses from getting scared by the water below.
How the Feltons Mill Bridge Was Built
The Feltons Mill Covered Bridge uses a special design called a Burr Truss. This design was invented by an American engineer named Theodore Burr.
What is a Burr Truss?
A Burr Truss combines two types of bridge designs:
- Arches: It uses large wooden arches that help support the weight. Think of a rainbow shape.
- Trusses: It also has a framework of crisscrossing beams called trusses. These beams work together to distribute the weight evenly.
By combining arches and trusses, the Burr Truss makes bridges very strong and able to carry heavy loads. This design was popular for covered bridges because it was sturdy and could span long distances. The Feltons Mill Bridge has a medium-pitched gable roof, which means the roof slopes down on two sides, like a typical house roof.
A Historic Landmark
Being listed on the National Register of Historic Places means the Feltons Mill Covered Bridge is recognized as a significant historical site. This helps make sure it's preserved for future generations to enjoy and learn from. It's a reminder of how people built things long ago and how important bridges were for travel and trade.
