List of bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in West Virginia facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about old buildings or bridges that are super important to history? In the United States, there's a special list called the National Register of Historic Places. It helps protect and celebrate places that tell us stories about the past. West Virginia has many amazing bridges and tunnels on this list. These structures are not just ways to cross rivers or mountains. They are like time capsules, showing us how people built things long ago and how communities grew.
This article explores some of these incredible historic crossings in West Virginia. They are all special because of their age, unique design, or important role in history.
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West Virginia's Historic Bridges
West Virginia is a state with lots of rivers and valleys. This means many bridges were needed to connect towns and help people travel. Over time, some of these bridges became very important. They show us how engineering changed and how communities developed.
Famous Covered Bridges
Covered bridges are like tunnels made of wood. They have roofs and walls to protect the wooden parts from weather. This helps them last much longer. West Virginia has several beautiful covered bridges on the National Register.
Barrackville Covered Bridge
The Barrackville Covered Bridge was built in 1853 in Barrackville. It's a special type called a Burr truss. This design uses both arches and trusses to make the bridge very strong. It's one of the oldest and most famous covered bridges in the state.
Philippi Covered Bridge
The Philippi Covered Bridge was built in 1852 in Philippi. It's one of the oldest covered bridges in West Virginia. This bridge played a role in the American Civil War. It was used by both Union and Confederate soldiers.
Indian Creek Covered Bridge
Near Salt Sulphur Springs, you can find the Indian Creek Covered Bridge. It was built around 1898. This bridge uses a Howe truss design. It's a great example of how people built bridges in the late 1800s.
Other Notable Covered Bridges
Many other covered bridges are also on the historic list. The Carrollton Covered Bridge (1856) in Carrollton is another Burr Arch type. The Dents Run Covered Bridge (1889) in Laurel Point uses a Kingpost Truss. The Fish Creek Covered Bridge (around 1881) in Hundred is also a King Post truss. These bridges show the different ways engineers built these wooden structures.
Impressive Arch and Suspension Bridges
Not all historic bridges are covered. Some are grand structures made of stone or steel. They use different designs like arches or suspension cables to cross wide rivers or deep gorges.
Wheeling Suspension Bridge
The Wheeling Suspension Bridge was built in 1849 in Wheeling. It was once the longest suspension bridge in the world! It crosses the Ohio River and was a vital link for travel and trade. Its design uses strong cables to hold up the bridge deck.
New River Gorge Bridge
The New River Gorge Bridge was finished in 1977 near Fayetteville. It's a massive steel arch bridge. For many years, it was the longest single-span arch bridge in the world. It crosses the deep New River Gorge, offering amazing views. It's a modern marvel that quickly became historic.
Elm Grove Stone Arch Bridge
The Elm Grove Stone Arch Bridge in Wheeling is very old, built in 1817. It's made entirely of stone arches. This bridge shows how people built strong, lasting structures long before modern materials like steel were common.
Other Unique Historic Crossings
West Virginia also has other interesting bridges that are important to its history.
B & O Railroad Potomac River Crossing
The B & O Railroad Potomac River Crossing in Harpers Ferry was built in 1894 and later updated in 1931. This bridge is important because it was part of a major railroad line. It helped connect different parts of the country and was key for transportation.
Duck Run Cable Suspension Bridge
The Duck Run Cable Suspension Bridge was built in 1922 near Trubada. It's a cable suspension bridge, but much smaller than the Wheeling bridge. It shows how even smaller, local bridges were important for communities to connect.
Sixth Street Railroad Bridge
The Sixth Street Railroad Bridge in Parkersburg has parts built as early as 1869. It's a railroad bridge that has been updated over the years. It highlights the importance of railroads in West Virginia's history and economy.
Images for kids
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Alderson Bridge
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Bridgeport Lamp Chimney Company Bowstring Concrete Arch Bridge.jpg
Bridgeport Lamp Chimney Company Bowstring Concrete Arch Bridge
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Burnsville Bridge
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Capon Lake Whipple Truss Bridge
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Center Point Covered Bridge
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Duck Run Suspension Bridge
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Fletcher Covered Bridge.jpg
Fletcher Covered Bridge
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Glenville Truss Bridge
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Herns Mill Covered Bridge
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High Level Bridge
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Hokes Mill Covered Bridge
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Laurel Creek Covered Bridge
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Locust Creek Covered Bridge
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Mud River Covered Bridge
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Parks's Gap Bridge
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Rotary Park Bridge
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Sarvis Fork Covered Bridge
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Simpson Creek Covered Bridge.jpg
Simpson Creek Covered Bridge
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Staats Mill Covered Bridge
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Stouts Mill Bridge
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Van Metre Ford Stone Bridge
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Walkersville Covered Bridge
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Winfield Toll Bridge
