List of covered bridges in New Jersey facts for kids
New Jersey might be a small state, but it has some cool history, including a few special bridges! These are called covered bridges, and they look like long, wooden tunnels. They have roofs and walls, which were originally built to protect the wooden parts of the bridge from rain and snow. This helped the bridges last much longer!
In New Jersey, there are only two real covered bridges left. One of them is very old and important to history. A "real" or authentic covered bridge isn't just old; it's built in a special way. It uses strong, crisscross wooden frames called trusses to hold up the weight. Other bridges might just use long, straight beams called stringers, but true covered bridges rely on these clever truss designs.
New Jersey's Covered Bridges
Green Sergeants Covered Bridge
This historic bridge is found in Hunterdon County, near the town of Stockton. It was first built way back in 1872! Imagine how much history this bridge has seen. It was rebuilt in 1961 to keep it safe and strong.
The Green Sergeants Covered Bridge is about 84 feet (or 25.6 meters) long. It crosses over the Wickecheoke Creek. This bridge uses a special type of truss called a Queen post truss, which is a simple but strong design. It's owned by Hunterdon County and is a beloved landmark.
Scarborough Covered Bridge
You can find the Scarborough Covered Bridge in Camden County, specifically in Cherry Hill. This bridge is a bit newer, built in 1959, and it was updated in 1993 to keep it in good shape.
It's 55 feet (about 16.7 meters) long and crosses the Cooper River. This bridge uses a Town lattice truss, which looks like a crisscross pattern of planks. It's sometimes called the "Kissing Bridge," a fun nickname that many covered bridges around the world share!
More About Bridges
- List of bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in New Jersey: Discover other important bridges in New Jersey that are recognized for their history.
- World Guide to Covered Bridges: Learn more about covered bridges from all over the world!
