Knight's Ferry Bridge facts for kids
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Knight's Ferry Bridge
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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| Location | Spanning Stanislaus River at bypassed section of Sonora Rd., approx. .75 mile north of CA 108/120, Knight's Ferry, California |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Architectural style | Howe truss bridge |
| Part of | Knights Ferry (ID75000490) |
| NRHP reference No. | 12001014 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 16, 2012 |
| Designated NHL | October 16, 2012 |
| Designated CP | April 23, 1975 |
The Knight's Ferry Bridge is a really old and important covered bridge in Knights Ferry, California. It crosses the Stanislaus River. This bridge was built way back in 1863. It's one of the best examples of a 19th-century wooden bridge that's still standing today. Because it's so special, it was named a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 2012.
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About the Knight's Ferry Bridge
What Does the Bridge Look Like?
The Knight's Ferry Bridge is located at the edge of the small town of Knights Ferry. It stretches across the Stanislaus River. The bridge is almost 379 feet (116 m) long. It has four main sections, which rest on strong stone supports.
The bridge also crosses a historic millrace, which is a channel for water, north of the river. The main parts of the bridge use a special design called a Howe truss. This design uses wooden planks bolted together. It also has strong wrought iron rods and blocks to make it very sturdy. The outside of the bridge is covered with vertical wooden boards, and it has a metal roof.
A Bridge Built After a Big Flood
This bridge is actually the second one built in this spot. The first bridge was constructed in 1856. However, a huge event called the Great Flood of 1862 completely washed it away. Because of this powerful flood, the new bridge was built higher up. It was finished in 1863.
How Long is This Famous Bridge?
For a long time, the Knight's Ferry Bridge was known as the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi River. After another famous bridge, the Old Blenheim Bridge in New York, was destroyed in 2011, the Knight's Ferry Bridge became the second-longest covered bridge in the United States. The longest one now is the Smolen-Gulf covered bridge in Ohio.
Why is This Bridge Important?
The Knight's Ferry Bridge has been carefully studied and recorded. It was documented by the Historic American Buildings Survey and the Historic American Engineering Record. These groups help preserve important historical structures.
Besides being a National Historic Landmark, the bridge is also part of the National Register of Historic Places. It is considered a key part of the historic district of Knight's Ferry. This means it helps tell the story of the area's past.
