Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge
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Gilpins Falls covered bridge
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 Location in Maryland
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | North East, Maryland |
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| Area | 1.3 acres (0.53 ha) |
| Built | 1859 |
| Built by | Johnson, George |
| Architectural style | Burr Arch Truss Bridge |
| NRHP reference No. | 08001125 |
| Added to NRHP | December 3, 2008 |
The Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge is a special wooden bridge near North East, Maryland. It's located in Cecil County, Maryland, in the United States. This bridge is a type called a Burr arch through truss. This means it uses big wooden arches to help support the weight.
A local bridge builder named Joseph George Johnson built it. He worked on it in 1860 and 1861. The bridge crosses North East Creek. It was built right next to Samuel Gilpin's mills and dam. The bridge is 100 feet (30 m) long and 13.5 feet (4.1 m) wide. Today, cars are not allowed to drive on it.
The bridge has been fixed up a few times. In 1959, the State Roads Commission helped restore it. The Historical Society of Cecil County also helped. More recently, in 2010, the bridge got another big makeover. Engineers and special bridge builders worked together. They made sure the old bridge was strong and safe again.
The Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge is very important. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. This list includes places that are important to American history.
Building the Bridge: What It's Made Of
The Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge is mostly made of wood. The main parts, like the trusses and beams, use a wood called Eastern White Pine. This type of pine is strong but also light. Builders liked it because it could hold a lot of weight. It was even brought to areas where it didn't grow naturally.
Wood Choices for Strength
The original roof supports were made of tulip poplar wood. This wood is also very light. The new roof supports are made the same way. They are wider at one end than the other. This design helped make the bridge lighter overall.
Replacing Old Parts
Some parts of the bridge were replaced in the 1920s. These were the floor beams, which hold up the road. They were changed to heavier woods like ash and oak. The idea was to make the bridge stronger for cars.
However, this made the bridge too heavy. It also attracted bugs like deathwatch and powderpost beetles. These bugs eat wood and can cause damage. During the 2010 restoration, these old, heavy beams were replaced. New, lighter wood was used, just like the original design. This helped fix the bridge and make it last longer.
Gallery
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Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge as rehabilitated in 2010 by engineers Wallace, Montgomery & Associates, LLP, and contractor Kinsley Construction
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Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge historic marker
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Inside the bridge, showing structural members and construction
Images for kids
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Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge historic marker
