Fowlersville Covered Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fowlersville Covered Bridge
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The bridge at its original site over West Branch Briar Creek in 1982
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | Legislative Route 19039, south of Fowlersville, North Centre Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | 0.1 acres (0.040 ha) |
| Built | 1886 |
| Built by | Charles King |
| Architectural style | Queen Post design |
| MPS | Covered Bridges of Columbia and Montour Counties TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 79003182 |
| Added to NRHP | November 29, 1979 |
The Fowlersville Covered Bridge is a historic wooden covered bridge located in North Centre Township in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. This special bridge was built way back in 1886. It's about 40 feet (12 meters) long.
It's called a "covered bridge" because it has a roof and walls, just like a house! This helps protect the wooden parts of the bridge from rain and snow, making it last much longer.
What is a Covered Bridge?
Covered bridges are like tunnels made of wood that let you cross over rivers or streams. They were very popular in the 1800s. The roof and sides keep the main wooden structure dry. This stops the wood from rotting quickly. It also protects the road surface inside.
How Was It Built?
The Fowlersville Covered Bridge uses a special design called a Queen Post Truss. This is a type of bridge structure that uses two main vertical posts and a top beam. These parts work together to support the bridge's weight. It's a very strong and simple design. The sides of the bridge are covered with "board-and-batten" siding. This means long, flat boards are placed vertically, and then smaller strips (battens) cover the gaps between them. This helps keep the weather out.
The bridge was built by a person named Charles King. He finished building it in 1886.
Moving the Bridge
When it was first built, the Fowlersville Covered Bridge crossed over a stream called West Branch Briar Creek. But in 1986, the bridge was moved! It was carefully taken from its original spot and moved to Briar Creek Park. This park is also in North Centre Township. Moving such a big, old structure is a huge job! The bridge's new location is 41°03′39″N 76°17′01″W / 41.06083°N 76.28361°W.
A Special Landmark
The Fowlersville Covered Bridge is one of 28 historic covered bridges in Columbia and Montour Counties. These bridges are important parts of history. They show us how people built things a long time ago.
In 1979, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important buildings, sites, and structures in the United States. Being on this list means the bridge is recognized as a valuable historical place. It helps protect it for future generations to enjoy.
