10 Oldest Covered Bridges in the US

The use of covered bridges in the United States dates back to the early 1800s when they were used as part of the country’s infrastructure. Although the use of covered bridges is not as common nowadays, there are still a few remaining in the US that are over 100 years old. These historic structures are a reminder of the past and provide a glimpse into the engineering ingenuity of our ancestors.

The ten oldest covered bridges in the US range from New York to California and offer a unique experience for modern-day travelers. These bridges are not only a reminder of the past but also a testament to the resilience of these structures and the people who built them. So, come along as we explore the oldest covered bridges in the United States.

10. Windsor Mills Covered Bridge

photo source: Wikipedia

The Windsor Mills Covered Bridge is one of the few remaining covered bridges in Ohio, and it serves as a reminder of a bygone era. The bridge’s design, which features a Town lattice truss, is a testament to the ingenuity of the builders of the past. The covered bridge design not only protected the wooden trusses from the elements, but it also added to the aesthetic appeal of the structure.

The bridge’s length of 120 feet makes it a relatively long covered bridge, and it spans the Little Beaver Creek, connecting the two sides of Ashtabula County, Ohio. Its gabled roof and siding give it a charming, quaint appearance that visitors find appealing. It is a cherished symbol of Ohio’s rich history and heritage, and a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of the state’s early settlers.

Did You Know?

Today, the Windsor Mills Covered Bridge is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over Ohio and beyond.

9. Mechanicsville Road Bridge

photo source: Flickr

The Mechanicsville Road Bridge is a historic covered bridge located in Ashtabula County, Ohio, United States. Constructed in 1867, it was designed by the renowned covered bridge builder J.J. Daniels. Measuring 156 feet in length, this bridge is a Burr Arch Truss design, characterized by its multiple arches and vertical compression members.

The bridge’s intricate design, with its multiple arches and vertical compression members, showcases the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the builders of the past. The Mechanicsville Road Bridge is now a popular tourist destination, open to pedestrian traffic only, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Did You Know?

The Mechanicsville Road Bridge originally served as a crossing over the Wapsinonoc Creek.

8. Hutchins Covered Bridge

photo source: Wikipedia

The Hutchins Covered Bridge is a historic wooden covered bridge located in Montgomery, Vermont.  It was built in the late 1865 and is one of the few remaining covered bridges in the state of Oregon. The bridge spans Thomas Creek and is 76.97 feet. Hutchins Covered Bridge was built using the Town lattice truss design, which was a highly efficient and cost-effective method of spanning streams and rivers.

The covered roof and sides of the bridge were added to protect the wooden trusses from the elements, prolonging the life of the structure. The Hutchins Covered Bridge is also considered a unique example of American engineering and construction, reflecting the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the pioneers who built it.

Did You Know?

Hutchins Covered Bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular tourist attraction in Linn County.

7. Jackson Covered Bridge

photo source: Bridgehunter.com

The Jackson Covered Bridge is a historically significant wooden bridge located in Parke, Indiana. Constructed in 1861, it remains one of the few covered bridges still standing in the state. Spanning Jackson Creek, the bridge measures 225 feet. This bridge is regarded as a unique demonstration of American engineering and construction and reflects the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the pioneers who built it.

Visitors have the opportunity to cross the bridge and capture photographs, as well as gain an understanding of the history of covered bridges. The bridge is also a popular venue for events such as weddings and picnics and is a cherished part of the local community.

Did You Know?

Jackson Covered Bridge serves as a testament to the state’s rich history and is a charming representation of American heritage that continues to draw visitors from across the country.

6. Oregon Creek Covered Bridge

photo source: Pinterest

The Oregon Creek Covered Bridge is a historic covered bridge located in Oregon House, Yuba County, California. Built in 1860, the bridge is a single span timber Howe truss structure measuring 101.1 feet. It is the oldest remaining covered bridge in California and one of just a handful of surviving covered bridges in the western United States.

The Oregon Creek Covered Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and was declared a California Historical Landmark in 1975. The bridge is an example of the remarkable engineering and craftsmanship of the nineteenth century and is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and culture of the area.

Did You Know?

The bridge was recognized as an American Society of Civil Engineers Historic Civil Engineering Landmark in 1978.

5. Newfield Covered Bridge

photo source: Uncovering New York

The Newfield Covered Bridge is a historic wooden and stone covered bridge that spans the Warner River in Newfield, Maine. Built in 1851, the bridge is one of the oldest surviving covered bridges in the state and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge is made of wood and stone, with a wooden deck and two stone pillars at each end.

At just over 115 feet long, the Newfield Covered Bridge is a stunning sight as it crosses the river. The bridge is also known for its humped design, which allows the structure to be more durable in the face of strong winds, weight of vehicles, and flooding. In addition, the bridge has survived several fires and floods, including a devastating fire in the 1940s that completely destroyed the bridge’s superstructure, but left its stone pillars intact.

Did You Know?

The bridge also has a unique history of having been used as a covered bridge until 1912, when it was replaced by a metal bridge.

4. Gold Brook Covered Bridge

photo source: Wikipedia

The Gold Brook Covered Bridge is one of the oldest and most iconic covered bridges in the United States. Located in Stowe, Vermont, it stands as a reminder of a bygone era. Built in 1844, it spans a length of 49 feet. It was originally constructed as a toll bridge, but the tolls were eventually abolished in 1889.

Gold Brook Covered Bridge is the only two-span covered bridge in the world that is still actively in use. Its wooden sides are protected by a curved wooden roof, and its trusses are supported by two massive stone pillars. It was also the first covered bridge in America to be built with steel nails rather than wooden pegs.

Did You Know?

It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a popular tourist destination.

3. Silk Road Covered Bridge

photo source: Tripadvisor

The Silk Road Covered Bridge is a historic wooden covered bridge located in Bennington, Vermont. It is the only remaining historical covered bridge in the state and was constructed in 1840. The bridge is over 88 feet long. The bridge has a distinctive roof style, and the sides are framed in a series of vertical posts and horizontal planks, giving the bridge an iconic look.

The bridge is open to vehicular traffic, and pedestrians can still walk across the bridge and admire its beauty. The bridge has seen many repairs over the years, and it is now in great condition. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is considered one of the most important historic bridges in the United States.

Did You Know?

Silk Road Covered Bridge is the longest covered bridge in the state of Vermont.

2. Halpin Covered Bridge

photo source: Wikipedia

The Halpin Covered Bridge is an iconic and historic landmark located in Middlebury, Vermont. Built in 1824, it is one of the oldest remaining covered bridges in the state and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1970. The bridge is  66.25 feet with a distinctive truss system made of heavy wooden beams. It is covered with wooden planks, giving it a picturesque, rustic appearance.

The Halpin Covered Bridge has been the subject of many songs, stories, and photographs over the years. It was named for the local Halpin family, who built the bridge for the purpose of crossing the South Fork of the Chariton River. It has been thoroughly restored several times, with the last major renovation project completed in 2006.

Did You Know?

It is open to visitors and is a popular spot for photography, picnics, and fishing.

1. Pulp Mill Covered Bridge

photo source: Flickr

The Pulp Mill Covered Bridge is an iconic structure located in Middlebury, Vermont. The bridge was built in 1808, and is known as the oldest covered bridge in the US. The bridge is one of the most iconic and photographed buildings in the region, and its unique design has been featured in many films and television shows.

At just 199 feet, the Pulp Mill Covered Bridge spans a waterway which was used to transport logs to nearby pulp and paper mills. The bridge is supported by six wooden trusses, and features a unique design which allows it to remain open and accessible to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

Did You Know?

The structure has been well-maintained over the years, and has been able to withstand the harsh winter temperatures of the region.