The story of covered bridges

The Story of Covered Bridges

These days, covered bridges are considered great

historical pieces or architecture that are protected

and preserved under the United States Law. There are

at least 200 covered bridges across America. Most of

them, especially the ones under the management and

protection of the National Registry of Historic

Places, were built in the early nineteenth century.

During that time, there was a huge movement of people

from coastal cities towards the interior of the

country where there were a lot of creeks, streams and

rivers. Towns and villages soon rose near these

waterways since they were the practical places for

thriving communities. The waterways also provided

power for their mills and a ready source of potable

water, which are very important for growing towns.

As these towns grew on both sides of the river, there

was an apparent need for bridges to connect the

townspeople together and provide access to important

infrastructures like schools, churches, and hospices.

Covered bridges then became the most practical

solution for connecting both sides of the river, thus

paving the way for growth and development.

But why cover these bridges? Was there a need?

Apparently yes, and there were lots of proposed

reasons why covered bridges became the norm during the

time. It is widely said that necessity is the mother

of innovation, and the walls and roofs of these

bridges did serve a very practical purpose far from

the aesthetics that most people appreciate nowadays.

The first reason for covering these bridges were to

make them appear like barns.

In the old days, crossing horses and farm animals on

bridges were more dangerous than it would seem.

Stampedes were common when horses and livestock were

forced to cross bridges and see the running waters of

the river. To avoid this, covering bridges made it

easier for farmers and animals to cross rivers and get

to the greener grass on the other side.

Another reason for building these bridges were to keep

snow off them during winter. Heavy snow fall could

spell disaster for small bridges with weaker support.

Another practical reason for making covered bridges

was to help accommodate travelers during bad weather.

Old covered bridges can shelter a small group stuck in

town because of a storm. It also made it easier for

townspeople to accommodate strangers during such

times.

A romantic reason proposed by an old poet said the

covered bridges also made it possible for young lovers

to steal a kiss from each other without getting caught

- rather unlikely but ironically, covered bridges

nowadays do serve a romantic purpose because it has

become quite fashionable to hold wedding ceremonies on

them. But the most widely popular reason for building

covered bridges is to expand the lifespan of the

bridge itself.

Wood, which is commonly used for these bridges, can

easily deteriorate if exposed to harsh weather

conditions all year round - heat in the summer and

extreme cold in the winter. Covered bridges lasted

three times longer than ordinary bridges because of

the protection the roof and walls provided. Insulation

was also good for wood and covered bridges allowed the

interior to maintain a uniform temperature providing

shade from the sun and rain - which made the bridge

last longer and practically safer for people to use.

No matter what the reason, covered bridges are

considered by many as romantic, historical pieces that

should be preserved and protected. They are part of

America’s history and protecting them should be a

priority for towns and counties where they can still

be found.