9 Undeniable Reasons To Visit The Oldest And Longest Covered Bridge In West Virginia
Outdoor adventures in the Mountain State come in all forms: hiking, fishing, boating, camping, sightseeing, and more! In terms of sightseeing, you simply won’t find another covered bridge quite like the old Philippi Covered Bridge. A visit here is one you won’t forget, and just in case you need a little persuasion, we’ve compiled nine solid reasons you should pop in the car and head to Philippi to see this amazing man-made wonder.
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It was built in 1852 for a little more than $12,000. It's currently 285.5 feet long (it used to be 312 feet long) and 26 feet wide. With two lanes of traffic, it's known as a "double-barrel" bridge and is one of only a few of its kind in America.
When it was constructed in 1852, only wood was used for the entire 325-foot bridge... except for the iron bolts that held it together. Today's rendition of the bridge includes some modern reinforcements to accommodate heavy vehicular traffic that crosses the bridge daily.
That's right... we're on top again with the only one of these bridges that a federal road uses to cross a waterway. U.S. Route 250 crosses the Tygart Valley River by way of the Philippi Covered Bridge.
The picturesque views of the peaceful — and usually crystal-clear — river flowing beneath the bridge are calming. Plus, the river provides a foreground for amazing photos of the bridge and surrounding area.
Dedicated in 1987, a memorial to all Vietnam Veterans (and those lost from Barbour County) is both a somber and inspirational point to reflect upon all who have served our country in the armed forces. It's not a coincidence that this park is placed in the very spot considered by some historians to be the site of the very first land skirmish of the Civil War.
The Battle of Philippi was a significant event in the Civil War. After the battle, both the Confederates and the Union soldiers would cross the bridge. Eventually, the bridge was taken by the Union and incorporated for a time into a barracks set up here.
The old Philippi Station was built in 1911 and is now home to the Barbour County Historical Museum. It stands at the entrance to the north side of the bridge and is a can't miss on ANY visit to Philippi. Once inside, you'll discover a wealth of information about the Philippi area, the bridge, and all of Barbour County. However; do not leave without checking out the two real mummies that are famous the world over.
From the south side of the bridge at the Vietnam Veterans Park adjacent to the bridge, you'll see the bridge in one direction, and in the other direction you'll enjoy picturesque views of the pretty skyline of downtown Philippi.
Only a few short blocks from the Philippi Covered Bridge is the charming Philippi Main Street. Take time for lunch at the Medallion Restaurant and then go for a walk over to the Barbour County Courthouse to admire the architecture. Learn more about both in this previous article!
With so much to see and do in the Mountain State, it can be overwhelming to decide what to do next! Trust us: put a visit to the Philippi Covered Bridge on your calendar asap; you won’t be disappointed!
The Philippi Covered Bridge is located on U.S. Route 250 in downtown Philippi.
