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Short Bridge
Short Covered Bridge South Santiam River.jpg
The Short Covered Bridge spans the South Santiam River.
Short Bridge is located in Oregon
Short Bridge
Location in Oregon
Short Bridge is located in the United States
Short Bridge
Location in the United States
Location High Deck Road, Cascadia, Oregon
Built 1945
Architectural style Howe Truss
NRHP reference No. 79002113
Added to NRHP November 29, 1979

The Short Bridge is a historic covered bridge in Oregon. It stretches over the South Santiam River, about 12 miles east of Sweet Home, Oregon and close to the small town of Cascadia. This bridge is special because it's listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's an important part of American history.

Discovering the Short Bridge

The Short Bridge is 105 feet long, which is about the length of three school buses! It was built in 1945, making it nearly 80 years old. Imagine all the cars and people who have crossed it since then.

Why is it Called the Short Bridge?

This bridge isn't called "Short" because of its length. It's actually named after a person! The bridge honors Gordon Short, who lived in the area for a very long time and was an important member of the community.

What is a Howe Truss Bridge?

The Short Bridge uses a special design called a Howe truss. A truss is like a strong framework made of triangles. The Howe truss design uses both wood and metal parts to make the bridge very sturdy. It was invented by William Howe in 1840 and became popular for covered bridges because it was strong and relatively easy to build. This design helps the bridge support heavy loads and stay stable.

A Place in History: National Register of Historic Places

On November 29, 1979, the Short Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. Being on this list means the bridge is recognized for its historical value and is protected, helping to make sure it lasts for many more years. Covered bridges like the Short Bridge are often seen as charming reminders of the past.

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