Shearer's Covered Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shearer's Covered Bridge |
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| Coordinates | 40°10′17″N 76°23′23″W / 40.1715°N 76.3898°W |
| Locale | Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | single span, double Burr arch truss |
| Total length | 89 feet (27.1 m) |
| History | |
| Constructed by | Jacob Clare |
| Construction begin | 1847 |
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The Shearer's Covered Bridge is a special kind of bridge called a covered bridge. It stretches over the Big Chiques Creek in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States. (The creek's name was changed from Chickies Creek in 2002).
This bridge has a unique design. It uses a single span of wood with a double Burr arch truss. A Burr arch truss is a strong way to build bridges. It combines a wooden arch with a crisscross pattern of beams. This makes the bridge very stable.
What makes Shearer's Covered Bridge stand out? It's the only covered bridge in Lancaster County that is painted entirely red. This includes both the inside and outside, even the parts leading up to the bridge. Red is the traditional color for covered bridges in this area. Another bridge, Pool Forge Covered Bridge, is also red, but only on the outside. Shearer's Covered Bridge is also one of only three in the county with horizontal side boards.
The bridge has a special number from the World Guide to Covered Bridges, which is 38-36-31. In 1980, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important historical site in the United States. Its official number on the register is 80003532.
Contents
Building the Bridge: A Look at Its History
The Shearer's Covered Bridge was first built in 1847. A builder named Jacob Clare was in charge of its construction.
The bridge was rebuilt in 1855. It stayed in its original spot for many years. Then, in 1971, it was moved to a new home. Today, you can find it in the Manheim Memorial Park.
Bridge Size: How Big Is It?
- Length: The bridge is about 86 feet (26.2 m) long from end to end.
- Width: It measures about 15 feet (4.6 m) wide.
- Overhead Clearance: The space from the road to the ceiling is about 11 feet 6 inches (3.51 m) high.
Gallery
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View of the bridge from the side
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Three quarters view
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One of the approaches to the bridge
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An inside view of the bridge
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A closeup of the Burr arch truss
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One of the bridge's window
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The bridge's floor boards
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The bridge's ceiling
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History plaque on the bridge
Images for kids
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Approach view from the air
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Side view from the air
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View from the air towards Manheim Central High School
