Ever drove across a covered bridge?

Tweet

The bridge was built in 1894. The Meems Bottom Bridge was constructed in 1892-93 by Franklin H. Wissler. To provide a more convenient access to his apple orchards and Strathmore Farm. He built it well with strict attention to proper drainage of rain and surface water and topped it with a roof. Mr. Wissler deeded the bridge to the Highway Department in the 1930's in return for assuming its maintenance. It was placed on the Virginia Landmark Register, as well as the National Historic Register in April 1975. After standing for more than 80 years, it was tragically destroyed by vandals on Halloween in 1976. I was only 13 at the time. The vandals were a little older than me. For what stupid reason, prank whatever. They destroyed a historical, facinating old bridge. The loss was felt throughout the county. All of us had memories from that old bridge. Picnics and fishing with the ole girl standing proudly before us. Just the history that went with the bridge. The years and many travelors she saw. It was just such a shame to lose it. Fortunately, however, the bridge was repaired, improved and reopened in 1979. It was so cool to watch the rebuilding of it. Today, Meems Bottom Bridge is the last remaining covered bridge in Virginia maintained by the Department of Transportation for public use as a throughway. The bridge has over a 200-foot single span Burr arch truss, which makes it the longest covered bridge still standing in Virginia. Have you ever crossed a covered bridge?