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Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge facts for kids

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Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge
Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge.jpg
Coordinates 40°05′14″N 76°14′51″W / 40.0872°N 76.2475°W / 40.0872; -76.2475
Locale Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States
Characteristics
Design single span, double Burr arch truss
Total length 180 feet (54.9 m)
History
Constructed by John Russell
Construction begin 1843
Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge Dot Map.png
Location of the bridge in Lancaster County
Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Lancaster County.svg
Location of Lancaster County in Pennsylvania

The Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge is a special covered bridge in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States. It's built with a unique design called a double Burr arch truss, which helps make it very strong. This bridge crosses the Conestoga River and is about 180 feet (55 m) long. That makes it the longest single-span covered bridge in Lancaster County!

The bridge has a special number, WGCB 38-36-06, which helps keep track of covered bridges around the world. You can find it near the community of Hunsecker, Pennsylvania. It connects Hunsecker Road (East) in Upper Leacock Township, Pennsylvania with Hunsicker Road (West) in Manheim Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Building the Bridge

The first Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge was built in 1843 by a builder named John Russell. It cost about $1,988 to build back then. It was designed with a double Burr Arch system, which uses both arches and trusses to make the bridge very sturdy.

Over the years, the bridge has faced challenges, especially from floods. In 1972, a big storm called Hurricane Agnes caused the river to rise. The floodwaters were so strong that they lifted the original bridge right off its supports and carried it away!

But the community wanted their bridge back. So, in 1973, a new bridge was built in its place. This new bridge was designed to be strong and last a long time.

Bridge Features and Size

The Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge is known for being the longest single-span covered bridge in Lancaster County. It's one of 29 covered bridges in the area.

Here are some interesting facts about its size:

  • Length: The bridge is about 180 feet (55 m) long from one end to the other.
  • Width: It is about 15 feet (4.6 m) wide.
  • Overhead Clearance: The space inside the bridge, from the floor to the ceiling, is about 13 feet 10 inches (4.22 m) high.

This bridge also has a unique feature: its floorboards are laid horizontally. When you cross it, especially on a bike, you might feel a little bumpiness. This gives the bridge a special feel!

Gallery

  • HunsickerMillBridge

    A three-quarters view of the bridge

  • Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge Three Quarters View 3008px

    Another view from a different angle

  • Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge Wide Side View 3000px

    A side view

  • Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge East Approach 2850px

    The approach to the bridge from the east

  • Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge Inside 3000px

    The inside of the bridge showing the Burr arch truss

  • Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge Burr Arch Bridge 3008px

    A closer look of the Burr arch bridge

  • Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge Floor and Wall 3000px

    A closeup of spot where the floor meets the wall

  • Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge Center 3008px

    The center of the bridge highlighting the Burr arch truss

  • Hunsecker's Mill Covered Bridge Window 3008px

    A view out of the bridge's window

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