Q is for...Quaint Covered Bridges
Happy Friday, everyone! It's a dreary day here in the PNW (not that I'm complaining), but it is the end of the workweek. Yay! We're heading toward the more difficult letters in the A-Z Blogging Challenge, so it's time to get a little creative. Today's topic is...
Quaint Covered Bridges
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| Covered Bridge Locations |
With the largest collection of covered bridges in the West (and one of the largest in the US), it's no wonder that there are "Covered Bridge Tours" throughout Oregon. Started in the mid-1800s, covered bridges became the standard and most cost-effective means of crossing the many rivers, creeks, and streams in rural parts of Oregon. The heyday for bridge building was between 1905 and 1925 when an estimated 450 covered bridges were built. Unfortunately, by 1977 this number had been reduced to a total of 56 bridges still remaining. Since then, 50 of those have been classified as Historic Landmarks and have undergone preservation procedures to ensure that they remain in good working condition.
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| Office Bridge |
Running all throughout the Willamette Valley,the longest covered bridge is the Office Bridge, or the Westfir Covered Bridge, in Lane County and is a total of 180 feet. It crosses the North Fork Middle Fork Willamette River. The bridge has a separate addition for pedestrians to cross through. The shortest bridge is Lost Creek Bridge at 30 feet. It is completely wooden and does not have a paved road through it.
I have always loved covered bridges; perhaps this is due to the fact that I grew up not even a mile from one. I remember riding my bike to that covered bridge on nice days and swimming in the creek under it during the summer months. I would not be caught swimming in that creek today...it runs through farmland, but this didn't bother me as a kid. Hm.
Covered bridges are a serious thing here in Oregon. We have driving tours that you can take and have even gone so far as organizing a Covered Bridge Society and an Oregon Covered Bridge Festival. If you're interested, it's on October 5th this year in Cottage Grove :) I can honestly say I've never been to the festival. This might be something I need to remedy in the coming years...
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| The middle bridge was my summer haunt. |
Have a wonderful Friday, fellow A-Zers!
As a non-American, I've always wondered... why covered bridges? Why were they built that way? Who brought the idea from which country? I don't think I've seen them anywhere else.
ReplyDeleteHappy A to Z-ing
Jemima at Jemima's blog
Great questions, Jemima! I think it probably has something to do with the plentiful amounts of timber in our area. Plus, timber trusses were easier to transport than steel beams. As to the origin, I have no idea! Might require a little research :) Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI've actually never heard of a covered bridge before today. haha.
ReplyDeleteI love dreary days too. We're having a nice one today, though it's almost night. We're in Autumn right now but it's taken ages to cool down. I am a big-time summer hater.
Hi, Trisha! I am also a big time summer hater...really it's just about warm weather. Give me 75F or lower and I'm happy :) Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI enjoyed this post! And I liked the pics of all bridges. I bet that would be a fun tour to go on one day.
ReplyDeleteHappy A-Z!
Thanks, Madeline! I've never done the complete tour, but I guess when you grow up around several of the bridges a tour isn't necessary :) Thanks for visiting!
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