How lucky are we to live in West Virginia, a state brimming with pure natural beauty and rich in history? We can't journey too far in the state without coming upon a historic site, like a covered bridge. West Virginia lays claim to 17 covered bridges. The oldest covered bridge in West Virginia tells a tale that dates all the way back to before the American Civil War. Settle in and gather 'round: this is the fascinating story of the Philippi Covered Bridge in West Virginia...
Just one of two remaining covered bridges in Barbour County, Philippi Covered Bridge dates all the way back to 1852. It, in fact, only cost around $12,000 to build.
Pictured above is the town of Philippi in 1861.
The double-barreled covered bridge, which allows for two lanes of traffic, spans nearly 283 feet, sits 26 feet across, and crosses over the Tygart Valley River.
The covered bridge as it looked in 1899, before the turn of the century.
Except for its iron bolts, the historic covered bridge is made entirely of wood. However, it has been strengthen to meet today's standards.
Check out the picture of Philippi Covered Bridge above, circa 1970.
During the Civil War, the Philippi Covered Bridge saw significant action. Both the Confederate and the Union Troops crossed the bridge on...
June 3, 1861, following a battle in Philippi. The Union took control of the covered bridge, using it to house soldiers for a brief time.
More than a century later, in early 1989, the bridge suffered substantial damage as the result of a fire started by a car spark.
It reopened just two years later and, to this day, remains an important and an historic part of U.S. Route 250.
Click here to read more about the Philippi Covered Bridge at the West Virginia Department of Transportation.
Have you been to the oldest covered bridge in West Virginia? Did you know Philippi Covered Bridge had such historical significance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Can't get enough beautiful covered bridges? (We don't blame you!) Did you know there's a covered bridge trail in West Virginia? It will take you to five picturesque covered bridges in only 2.5 hours, and is a total must for all covered bridge enthusiasts.
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