Wawona Covered Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Wawona Covered Bridge
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | Pioneer Yosemite History Center, Wawona, California |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1868 |
| Architectural style | Modified Queen-post through |
| NRHP reference No. | 06001261 |
| Added to NRHP | January 11, 2007 |
The Wawona Covered Bridge is a special old bridge in Yosemite National Park. It crosses the South Fork of the Merced River near Wawona, California. This bridge is a type called a covered bridge, meaning it has walls and a roof.
A man named Galen Clark built the bridge in 1868. At first, it didn't have its outer walls. Clark wanted it to be part of a new road from Wawona to the famous Yosemite Valley. He couldn't finish the road, so he sold it and the nearby Wawona Hotel to a group of investors. They finished the road in 1879. The Wawona Covered Bridge is one of only twelve covered bridges still standing in California.
What is a Covered Bridge?
The Wawona Covered Bridge uses a special design called a modified queen post truss. This design helps the bridge hold up heavy weights. In 1878, the bridge got its outer walls and roof, made from Douglas fir wood. These coverings protect the main structure, which is made of strong Ponderosa pine wood and iron rods.
The covering helps protect the wood from rain, snow, and sun. This makes the bridge last much longer. Many old bridges were covered for this reason.
Life as a Road Bridge
For many years, cars and wagons drove across the Wawona Covered Bridge. It was a very important part of the road into Yosemite. However, in 1937, a new, stronger bridge was built nearby. This new bridge was about 200 meters (656 feet) away. After that, the old covered bridge was no longer used for cars.
In the same year, workers from the Civilian Conservation Corps helped repair the bridge. This group was part of a government program that gave jobs to young men during the Great Depression.
Saving the Bridge
In 1955, the Wawona Covered Bridge was damaged by a big flood. It was in poor condition and almost replaced with a new bridge. But a landscape architect from the National Park Service, named Thomas Chalmers Vint, stepped in. He believed the bridge was very important and should be saved.
Because of his efforts, the bridge was rebuilt instead of being torn down. This work was part of a big project called Mission 66. The idea was to make the bridge a main part of a new exhibit. This exhibit would teach visitors about the history of the Wawona area. The Pioneer Yosemite History Center was then built right next to the bridge.
Since 1957, the bridge has had many repairs. Workers replace parts as they get old or damaged. This helps keep the historic bridge safe and strong for everyone to enjoy today.
