Red Covered Bridge (Illinois) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Red Covered Bridge
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Shown with its white guardrail
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| Location | 2 mi. N of Princeton, IL off IL 26 on Old Dad Joe Trail |
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| Built | 1863 |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000640 |
| Added to NRHP | April 23, 1975 |
The Red Covered Bridge is a special wooden bridge found north of Princeton. It crosses over Big Bureau Creek in Dover Township, Bureau County, Illinois. This bridge was built a long time ago, in 1863. It cost $3,148.57 to build back then.
The bridge is about 149 feet (45 meters) long. It is one of only five covered bridges left in Illinois. Even today, cars can still drive across it! It used to be part of an old travel route called the Peoria-Galena Trail.
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The Red Covered Bridge: A Historic Landmark
The Red Covered Bridge is a very old and important part of Illinois history. It stands as a reminder of how people built things in the past. This bridge is not just old; it is also a beautiful example of engineering from the 1800s.
What is a Covered Bridge?
A covered bridge is a special type of bridge that has walls and a roof, just like a house. These covers were not just for looks. They helped protect the wooden parts of the bridge from rain, snow, and sun. This made the bridge last much longer. Without the cover, the wood would rot quickly, and the bridge would need to be replaced often.
Building a Bridge in the 1800s
The Red Covered Bridge was built in 1863. This was during a time when many roads and bridges were being built across the United States. Building a bridge like this was a big project. The cost of $3,148.57 was a lot of money in those days. The bridge was carefully designed to be strong enough for wagons and people to cross safely. It was an important link for travelers on the Peoria-Galena Trail. This trail connected different towns and helped people move goods and travel across the state.
A Bridge for Today: Still in Use
Even though it is over 160 years old, the Red Covered Bridge is still used by cars every day. This shows how well it was built. It is amazing that such an old structure can still serve its original purpose. Because it is so old and important, the bridge is now watched by CCTV cameras. This helps keep it safe and protected for future generations. It is a rare sight to see a covered bridge still open to traffic.
Becoming a National Treasure
The Red Covered Bridge is so special that it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on April 23, 1975. The National Register of Historic Places is a list of important buildings, sites, and objects in the United States. Being on this list means the bridge is recognized as a significant part of American history and culture. This helps protect it and makes sure it will be preserved for many years to come.
