Frequently Asked Questions About Covered Bridges

Covered bridges have always held a special place in people's heart and souls. Many have some questions as to WGNs and such. This is the article that answers some of the frequently asked questions concerning covered bridges.

What is a World Guide Number and why are they used?

The same covered bridge can be known by multiple names, but each has its own "fingerprint"; a World Guide Number. These unique identification numbers are very telling about each bridge and are used on a national scale, even being adopted by the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges. For example, Stovall Mill Bridge is known by four other common names; Helen Bridge, Sautee Bridge, Nacooche Bridge, and Chickamauga Bridge, but only one World Guide number; 10-154-03. This number is broken down into three sections covering the state, the county, and the bridge identifier. The state code, a two digit number that states for where the state falls in an alphabetical list, is the first number. The second number is the county and where it falls in an alphabetical list from the state. The third and last numbers are assigned to the actual bridge location. Letters are sometimes used to denote when the bridge does not have a tree truss support but is still covered. Location numbers are not reassigned so there are gaps whenever a bridge has been destroyed. So in our example of Stovall Mill Bridge, World Guide Number #10-154-03, the 10 stands for Georgia, the 154 is for White County, and the 03 is the locator for where the bridge actually sits.

Why were bridges covered?

Many believe that bridges were covered to provide a safe haven for horse and buggy during a storm, to provide for a romantic getaway for a courting couple, even to prevent a traveler from knowing what type of town was approaching till it was too late to turn around. The real reason was to protect the bridge from the elements; as a bridge without a covered area tended to fail after 10-15 years. Covers protected the main timber trusses from the weather and to provide an ideal atmosphere from accelerated rot. This tended to add another 40-plus years to the bridge's life. Also, with the addition of wooden "windows" the covered bridges provided not only light, but a gentle breeze that kept the bridges drier and more apt to withstand the elements.

What are the criteria to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places?

According to the website, the criteria are as follows:
"...The quality of significance in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering, and culture is present in districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects that possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association, and:
A. That are associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or
B. That are associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or
C. That embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess high artistic values, or that represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; or
D. That has yielded or may be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history..." (National Register of Historic Places, Sept 2005)

Properties should be at least 50 years old to be considered, unless they are of extreme historical importance. The Register is one of the most respected listings of historical sites.

What was the first recorded covered bridge?

The oldest existing bridge in the world is in Luzern, Switzerland. It was built in 1333 and has undergone several refurbishing treatments.

However, in America, it was the Waterford Bridge built in 1804 by Theodore Burr. The Waterford was constructed in Connecticut and spanned the Hudson River. It was the design basis for the 1817 patent of the "Burr Truss". The Waterford Bridge lasted for 105 years and was a design of exceptional quality and architectural value.

Timothy Palmer of Massachusetts had the second covered bridge. The "Permanent Bridge" was built in 1805 in Philadelphia; it having three spans across 550 feet. His bridge went across the Schuylkill River and lasted until 1850.

New England has the most covered bridges, right?

Wrong. New England is best known for its covered bridges, but does not currently have the most still standing. That distinction belongs to Pennsylvania. Out of nearly 1,500 bridges that were in Pennsylvania, 200 of them still stands. They are found in 40 of the 67 Pennsylvania counties. It is indeed worthy of its moniker "Covered Bridge Capital of the World".