Covered Bridges

November 30, 2017

Confab-bridges-17 (1)

Photographer: Patrick Pinkowski
Summary Author: Jim Foster 

Bridge222An estimated 15,000 wooden covered bridges once graced the waterways of North America. However, less than 1,000 can be found today, over 200 of which are in Pennsylvania. Nowadays, they're largely thought of as charming bridge crossings that span streams in scenic country settings. Because they're photogenic, not too challenging to find but old enough and unusual enough to perhaps stir one's curiosity, these old bridges have become rather popular stops on driving tours, particularly after the 1995 release of Bridges of Madison County

Shown above (and at left) is the Loys Station Covered Bridge over Owens Creek in Frederick County, Maryland. Only 6 such bridges remain today in Maryland -- several have been rebuilt including this one. However, in the 19th century, there were likely 120 or more covered bridges crossing small streams and even large rivers in the Old Line State. Evidently, the sole purpose of the bridge covering was to help protect the bedding and support structures from deterioration from the elements -- rain, hail, ice and snow.

During the U.S. Civil War, it's believed that Union troops under the command of General George Meade crossed Loys Station bridge, following the battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, in pursuit of the Army of Northern Virginia. In 1978 the Loys Station bridge was included in the National Register of Historic Places. Photos taken on November 12, 2017.

Photo Details: Top - Camera Model: NIKON D750; Lens: 28.0-200.0 mm f/3.5-5.6; Focal Length: 28mm (35mm equivalent: 28mm); Aperture: ƒ/3.5; Exposure Time: 0.0016 s (1/640); ISO equiv: 125; Software: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.7 (Macintosh). Inset: same except - Focal Length: 35mm (35mm equivalent: 35mm); Aperture: ƒ/8.0; Exposure Time: 0.0031 s (1/320); ISO equiv: 125.