Covered Bridges first appeared in the U.S. around 1805, but the story of these monuments to another age date back thousands of years in China. Covered bridges also existed in Europe since the Middle Ages and before there were hundreds of them in Switzerland, Austria and Germany.
But here in the U.S. Northeast, where the design of the covered wooden bridge and construction peaked in the nineteenth century. A combination of urgent need, abundant old growth forests north, and sheer Yankee ingenuity, advanced the development of wooden covered bridges, a rare combination of wonderful pieces of engineering which were also pleasing to the sight.
WHY many covered bridges in the Northeast?
The northeast is a region of rivers, streams and creeks. As the population increased place outside the coastal areas inland forests, towns sprung up near water sources. The water source was used to power mills in these towns and villages often developed on both banks of a stream or river. Bridges were the obvious answer to connect these divided communities, and provide access to things like people school, worship, and supplies.
But why cover?
While much speculation has been proposed on this subject, the simple answer is weather protection for the bridge. Here in New England where I live, covered wooden bridges last about three times longer than those exposed to the elements, and reduce maintenance of the bridge also. During the 19th and early 20th century built few bridges were not covered.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT covered bridges …
Most historians agree the first covered bridge in America was The Permanent bridge completed in 1805 in Pennsylvania, originally designed by Timothy Palmer of New England. The covered bridge is the longest known in Hartland New Brunswick, Canada, which extends 1282 meters above the river Saint John.
But perhaps the most famous covered bridges in Madison County, Iowa The Bridges of Madison used to number 19, but today only six survive. The novel by Robert James Waller, and film of the same name, popularized these bridges to millions worldwide, and also presented evidence that the covered bridges in North America are not confined to the Northeast.
One question that arises is why so many of the bridges are painted red on the outside?
Historians believe that the red cape makes the bridge more like a barn for a horse, as horses tend to be whimsical crossing over streams, illusion helped farmers and visitors navigate the obstacle with little incident of his four-legged friends.
THE CHANGING FACE OF THE COVERED BRIDGE IN AMERICA NORTH
As the twentieth century progressed changed the construction of bridges and fabricated metal truss bridges became the first option on the wood. The ease construction, increased strength, and low cost of these metal bridges became too overwhelming to ignore for the budget conscious communities in the U.S.
The "workhorse" of the bridges of the 19th century gave way to the economy, and most of the wooden covered bridges in the U.S. rapidly disappeared, except for the 800 fans on the left to see today. Although many of the remaining covered bridges still carry traffic – even cars – most are retained for tourism, and as a reminder of our heritage.
SEE covered bridges …
By sheer volume of Pennsylvania and Vermont take honors, which represents more than one third of the remaining bridges.
Self-Guided Tours are also popular in New England for a holiday covered bridge, particularly in Vermont and New Hampshire, where many of the bridges are to another destination, and points of attraction.
Because a covered bridge enthusiast can tell you half the fun is to find the bridges. The main roads from side roads where most of the bridges are located for many years, making the distance of an object sometimes an adventure bridge at the location. While covered bridges create the ideal photo opportunity is much more to see than just a pretty picture.
Experts suggest that appreciates the bridge, taking first in the design and massive timbers used in the frame. For real bridges these woods come from forests virgins, where trees 100 feet high were common.
Already he sees a real covered bridge was built to remember that a functional purpose simple – Go from one bank to another. But it was built with care and attention of craftsmen who inadvertently left a rich legacy for future generations to enjoy. Treasury of these wooden masterpieces as rural travel in North America, and rediscover a symbol of pioneering spirit that encompassed both the U.S. and Canada during the nineteenth century.
About the Author:
For details on New England destinations and attractions and to grab your free valuable travel reports go to Cliff’s New England destinations site at: http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com/
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Covered Bridges – Discovering A North American Living History
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