Posted in West Virginia December 23, 2019 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 back to before the Civil War.

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
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.
Trip Advisor/dmwnc1959
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? Share your experience in the comments! 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.

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