West Orange Road-Thomas Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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West Orange Road-Thomas Bridge
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | Township Road 114, East of SR 315,Liberty Township |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1898 |
| Architect | Toledo Bridge Company |
| Architectural style | Pratt Through Truss |
| NRHP reference No. | 02000701 |
| Added to NRHP | June 26, 2002 |
The West Orange Road-Thomas Bridge is an important historical bridge located in Delaware, Ohio, near West Orange Road. It crosses a small area of land, connecting parts of Liberty Township. This bridge is special because it has been added to the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's recognized as a significant part of history.
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The West Orange Road-Thomas Bridge
The West Orange Road-Thomas Bridge was built a long time ago, in 1898. That makes it over 125 years old! It was designed and built by a company called the Toledo Bridge Company. This company was known for building many bridges during that time. The bridge is a great example of how engineers and builders worked in the late 1800s.
What is a Historic Place?
When a place, like the West Orange Road-Thomas Bridge, is put on the National Register of Historic Places, it means it's important to the history of the United States. These places could be buildings, sites, structures, objects, or even entire districts. They are chosen because they tell a story about our past. This could be about important events, famous people, or special ways of building things.
Why Bridges are Important
Bridges like the West Orange Road-Thomas Bridge are more than just ways to cross over things. They are vital links that connect communities. They help people travel, trade goods, and get to where they need to go. Old bridges also show us how engineering and construction have changed over time. They are like open-air museums of technology.
How the Bridge Was Built
The West Orange Road-Thomas Bridge uses a design called a "Pratt Through Truss." This is a very common and strong type of bridge design.
Understanding a Pratt Through Truss
Imagine a bridge made of many triangles. That's basically what a truss bridge is! A Pratt truss uses a pattern of vertical (up and down) and diagonal (slanted) beams. These beams work together to spread out the weight of traffic. This makes the bridge very stable and strong. In a "through truss" bridge, the road or path goes through the main structure of the truss, almost like driving through a tunnel made of metal beams. This design allows for a strong bridge that can carry heavy loads over a good distance.
Protecting Our History
Adding the West Orange Road-Thomas Bridge to the National Register of Historic Places helps protect it. This means people will work to keep it safe and in good condition for many years to come. It helps future generations learn about the past and appreciate the engineering achievements of earlier times. It also reminds us of the importance of preserving structures that tell our country's story.
