Lynchburg Covered Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Lynchburg Covered Bridge
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Lynchburg Covered Bridge
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | Lynchburg, Ohio |
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| Built | 1870 |
| Architect | John C. Gregg |
| Architectural style | Long Truss |
| NRHP reference No. | 76001456 |
| Added to NRHP | March 16, 1976 |
The Lynchburg Covered Bridge is a really old and cool wooden bridge in Lynchburg, Ohio. It stretches over the east fork of the Little Miami River. What makes it super special is that after some recent repairs, it became the only covered bridge in North America that works a bit like a suspension bridge! It was first built in 1870 as a type of bridge called a Long truss.
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History of the Lynchburg Covered Bridge
Building the Bridge in 1870
The idea for the Lynchburg Covered Bridge started on October 11, 1869. The local government asked for bids from builders to construct it. In 1870, the bridge was built for about $3,138.66. A local bridge builder named John C. Gregg from Hillsboro constructed it. He had built many bridges in the area. The bridge was finished in December 1870. It stands where a gristmill (for grinding grain) and a sawmill (for cutting wood) once used the river's power.
Saving the Bridge from Demolition
In 1963, there were plans to tear down the bridge. But the community really wanted to save it! People started writing letters and petitions to keep it. The Governor of Ohio, James A. Rhodes, even tried to help. However, it was decided that the state couldn't directly get involved because the bridge wasn't on a state highway. Luckily, after lots of community support, the Highland County Board of Commissioners agreed to let the bridge stay.
New Bridge and Storm Damage
In 1969, a new bridge was built over the Little Miami River. This new bridge helped people get to Lynchburg from Clinton County. Because of this, the Lynchburg Covered Bridge was no longer used for cars and was closed to traffic.
Five years later, in 1974, a big storm hit the bridge. Strong winds blew most of its roof right into the Little Miami River! But people didn't give up on it. Materials were donated for repairs, and the Lynchburg Historical Foundation started raising money. They collected another $6,000 for the repairs. Many volunteers from the community helped to fix and restore the bridge.
Becoming a Historic Landmark
The Ohio Historic Bridge Society wanted the bridge to be recognized as an important historic site. So, on March 16, 1976, the bridge was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a special landmark! At that time, it was one of only eight Long truss covered bridges still standing. It was also the only covered bridge in Ohio that crossed a county line.
Lynchburg Bridge: A Community Hub
The Lynchburg Covered Bridge and the park around it, called Ruth Cramton Memorial Park, have become a popular spot for people to gather. Since the 1980s, many big events have happened here.
- Festivals: Several annual covered bridge festivals are held here.
- Reenactments: You might see Civil War reenactments, where people dress up and act out historical battles.
- Shows: There are also car shows and motorcycle gatherings.
- Bazaars: Many local social bazaars (like craft fairs) take place at the bridge.
In the 1980s, there was even a fun tug of war contest between Highland County and Clinton County. The bridge sits right on the border between the two counties, making it the perfect spot for this friendly rivalry! The park is also a very popular place for families and groups to hold their own private events.
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