| The total number of covered bridges built in West Virginia is
unknown. There were still more than 54 remaining in the 1950's. By 1979 only
19 remained. Today, there are 17. Some, such as the
Staats Mill, Barrackville
and the newly renovated Milton/Mud River are
in excellent condition, while others are in need of repairs and some even total
restoration. All 17 remaining covered bridges in West Virginia were listed on the National
Register of Historic Places in 1981, following research done by Dr. Emory Kemp of
Morgantown. Public awareness concerning the fate of covered bridges increased in 1989,
when the popular, Philippi bridge was nearly destroyed by
fire. The bridge was totally reconstructed in 1991, giving it back its original
look. Due to Dr. Kemp's hard work to promote the idea of bridge protection and
restoration, and due to his recently established
"Institute for the History of
Technology and Industrial Archaeology" in Morgantown, the future of the 17
remaining bridges is in good hands.
Special Thanks to Mr. John Brunell,
Linda Weekley
and Steve Shaluta for the
pictures of the newly renovated bridges. I really appreciate them.
Ryan Post
|
