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Shinn Covered Bridge
Shinn Covered Bridge (Commons).jpg
Eastern (downstream) side of the bridge
Shinn Covered Bridge is located in Ohio
Shinn Covered Bridge
Location in Ohio
Shinn Covered Bridge is located in the United States
Shinn Covered Bridge
Location in the United States
Location Northeast of Bartlett in Palmer Township
Nearest city Bartlett, Ohio
Area Less than 1 acre (0.40 ha)
Built 1886
Architect Charles T. Shinn
Architectural style Burr Arch Truss
NRHP reference No. 76001544
Added to NRHP October 8, 1976

The Shinn Covered Bridge is a special old wooden bridge in Ohio. It's called a "covered bridge" because it has a roof and walls, just like a house. These covers protect the wooden parts of the bridge from rain and snow. This helps the bridge last much longer.

This historic bridge is found in the countryside northeast of Bartlett. It's located in Washington County. The bridge was built in 1886 by a local carpenter named Charles T. Shinn.

What Makes the Shinn Bridge Special?

The Shinn Covered Bridge is 98 feet long. It crosses the western branch of Wolf Creek. The bridge is built with strong stone supports at each end. Its walls are made of weatherboard, which is wood designed to protect against the weather. The roof is made of metal.

How the Bridge Was Built

The inside of the bridge uses a special design called a Burr Truss. This design was created by a famous architect named Andrea Palladio many years ago. The Burr Truss mixes two strong building ideas:

  • A king post truss: This uses strong vertical and angled beams to support the bridge.
  • A wooden arch: A curved wooden arch runs along the bottom of the bridge. This arch adds extra strength.

This combination makes the bridge very sturdy. The bridge's entrance areas, called portals, have stayed straight and strong over time.

A Historic Landmark

In 1976, the Shinn Covered Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of important places in the United States. It means the bridge is recognized for its special history and design.

Why It's Important

The Shinn Bridge is important for a few reasons:

  • Historic Architecture: It shows a great example of how bridges were built a long time ago.
  • Rare Design: It's one of the last few bridges in Ohio that still uses the Burr king post arch truss design. This makes it a unique part of Ohio's history.

The bridge helps us remember the building skills of the past. It also shows how people used to travel and connect communities.

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