Posted in West Virginia Attractions, Sights & Landmarks September 27, 2021 by

The Oldest Covered Bridge In West Virginia Has Been Around Since 1852

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.
Wikipedia/Public Domain
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.
Wikipedia/Hu Maxwell
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.
Wikipedia/Valerius Tygart
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...
Wikipedia/Valerius Tygart
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.
Trip Advisor/J0hn and Vivian
More than a century later, in early 1989, the bridge suffered substantial damage as the result of a fire started by a car spark.
David W/TripAdvisor
It reopened just two years later and, to this day, remains an important and an historic part of U.S. Route 250.
Trip Advisor/J0hn and Vivian
Click here to read more about the Philippi Covered Bridge at the West Virginia Department of Transportation.
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn

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.

Address: Philippi Covered Bridge, 26416 US-250, Philippi, WV 26416, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Philippi Covered Bridge in West Virginia

October 02, 2021
Sarah

Are there many covered bridges in West Virginia?

Like so many other states, West Virginia used to be chock-full of covered bridges. Now a relic of a bygone era, these beautiful structures are becoming a rare species. Today, there are 17 covered bridges in West Virginia, and luckily, most are either open to vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic. We share some of our favorite covered bridges in West Virginia in this article.

What are some other historic places in West Virginia?

The story of Philippi Covered Bridge and its significance in the American Civil War certainly is something, isn’t it? This bridge isn’t the only place in West Virginia that has historical notoriety; these 11 Mountain State sites and landmarks all have stories to tell. From the historic The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad to Carnifex Ferry State Park — the site of numerous  Civil War Battles — West Virginia has quite an interesting and intriguing history, and there’s nothing better than setting forth to explore and learn all about it!

What’s the most beautiful covered bridge in West Virginia?

We’re going to have to plead the fifth here, as all of the covered bridges in West Virginia are beautiful! However, there’s something extra magical about visiting an old covered bridge in the autumn months, when the fall foliage paints the landscape of the Mountain State in bold oranges, vibrant reds, golden yellows, and shimmery coppers. As such, we recommend planning a fall trip to these seven covered bridges in West Virginia, which, due to their location, are extra spectacular in the autumn!

Address: Philippi Covered Bridge, 26416 US-250, Philippi, WV 26416, USA

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