List of bridges documented by the Historic American Engineering Record in West Virginia facts for kids
This page is a list of cool bridges in West Virginia that have been studied and recorded by the Historic American Engineering Record. This group helps keep track of important engineering achievements in the U.S.. They make sure we remember amazing structures like these bridges!
What is the Historic American Engineering Record?
The Historic American Engineering Record, or HAER for short, is a special program. It was created to document important engineering sites and structures. Think of it like a history book for buildings, machines, and bridges. They take photos, draw detailed plans, and write down everything important. This way, future generations can learn about how things were built. It helps us understand the history of engineering in America.
Why are Bridges Important?
Bridges are super important! They help people and goods travel easily. Imagine trying to cross a wide river or a deep valley without a bridge. It would be very hard! Bridges connect places and communities. They help cars, trains, and even people on foot get where they need to go. West Virginia has many rivers and mountains. This means bridges are extra important there. They help connect towns and cities across the state's challenging landscape.
Famous Bridges in West Virginia
West Virginia is home to many interesting bridges. Some are very old, and some are quite modern. Each bridge has its own story and unique design. Here are a few examples from the HAER list:
Wheeling Suspension Bridge
The Wheeling Suspension Bridge is a really old and famous bridge. It was built way back in 1849. This bridge is a suspension bridge. That means it hangs from strong cables, like a giant hammock. It crosses the Ohio River in Wheeling. For a long time, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world! It's still standing today and is a true landmark.
New River Gorge Bridge
The New River Gorge Bridge is a modern marvel. It was finished in 1977. This bridge is a steel arch bridge. It's one of the longest single-span arch bridges in the world. It crosses the deep New River Gorge. This bridge is so tall you could stack the Eiffel Tower under it! It carries US Route 19 and makes travel much faster. Before this bridge, people had to drive for 45 minutes down into the gorge and back up. Now, it takes less than a minute!
Barrackville Covered Bridge
The Barrackville Covered Bridge is a beautiful old bridge. It was built in 1853. This bridge is a covered bridge. Covered bridges have roofs and sides, like a tunnel. This protects the wooden parts of the bridge from rain and snow. It helps the bridge last much longer. The Barrackville Covered Bridge crosses Buffalo Creek in Barrackville. It's a lovely piece of history.
Other Notable Bridges
Many other bridges in West Virginia have interesting designs. For example, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Parkersburg Bridge is a Parker truss bridge. It was built in 1871. A truss bridge uses a framework of triangles to make it strong. The Fairmont Railroad Bridge is another example of a Pratt truss bridge. It was built in 1912. Some bridges, like the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, Cacapon River Viaduct, are beautiful stone arch bridges. These were built with many stone arches, like old Roman aqueducts.
Bridge Status
Bridges on this list have different statuses:
- Extant: This means the bridge is still standing and in use today.
- Replaced: The original bridge was taken down, and a new one was built in its place.
- Relocated: The bridge was moved from its original spot to a new location.
- Ruin: Only parts of the bridge, like its foundations, are left.
- Demolished: The bridge was completely taken down.
These bridges show the amazing history of engineering in West Virginia. They remind us how people built incredible structures to connect places and help communities grow.
See also
- List of tunnels documented by the Historic American Engineering Record in West Virginia
