Monday, September 9, 2024

1852 US-250 Philippi Covered Bridge over Tygart Valley River in Philippi, WV

(Archived Bridge Hunter; no Historic Bridges; Satellite, 514 photos)

The Burr arch-truss spans in this 311' (95m) long bridge are 78' (24m) long. "It was the site of the first land battle of the Civil War on June 3, 1861, and was subsequently crossed by both Union and Confederate troops in various stages of the war." [BridgeHunter]
This is "one of two in the county that survived the war without being burned." [Tony Dillon comment on BridgeHunter]

Street View, Aug 2022
 
2007 photo taken by Tom Hall via BridgeHunter

Note the heavy metal bars across the road in case a trucker doesn't notice the 10'-3" sign.
Street View, Apr 2023

The B&O Depot close to the bridge is now a museum.
Street View, Aug 2022

Randall Hampton posted five photos with the comment:
Historic covered bridge at Philippi, the only double that I've ever seen.  The 8 original laminated wood arches are easy to see, but now they're only cosmetic.  To support modern truck traffic, two more support piers in the river were added, along with steel I-beams under the decking.  The stone pier is original.
A former B&O passenger station stands at the east end of the bridge.
Allen Malcomb: Doing the repair after the fire they found some old lead that was fire from muskets in the arches .
Randall Hampton: The bridge was used by both sides in the Civil War.
[Several comments mention a couple of mummies that are in the museum.]
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Randall Hampton shared
John Voelker: I was on a training trip for the Chessie System Coal Department in 1983. We stopped at the Bridge in Philippi and the guy training me took my picture. I remember he told me that the first skirmish of the Civil War was fought there.

James Scott posted six photos in a COVERED BRIDGES Group with the comment:
Philippi covered bridge, located in the town of Philippi, Barbour County, West Virginia. The oldest and longest covered bridge in the state. Damaged by fire in 1989 and restored. Built in 1852, at 304 [93m] feet in length, over the Tygart River. The bridge is supported by a Burr Arch variation. 
The town and bridge was the site of the first land battle of the civil war. Photo takes 08/17/2024.
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Terry Chafin provided four photos in comments on James' post.
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