The Historic Philippi Covered Bridge

Lemuel Chenoweth, on of America's master coved bridge builders, built the Philippi covered bridge in 1852. He considered the bridge a masterpiece. The 285 foot structure is the only remaining "double-barreled" covered bridge serving a U.S. Highway. It is made of yellow poplar and incorporates the famous Burr Arch Truss. June 3, 1961 was an unforgettable day. The first land battle of the Civil War occurred at Philippi, The bridge was an asset for both the North and the South troops. Union General George B. McClellan, not present at the battle, used the Federal victory to gain command of the Army of the Potomac. During theat great fratricidal struggle, supply wagons for the Northern and Southern armies rumbled across the bridge. In 1934, the bridge acquired two additional piers, a steel reinforced concrete floor and a walkway. Many floods have ravaged underneath the bridge. In November 1985, the bridge survived a devastating flood, but barely stood erect after the fire on February 2, 1989. After a lot of work, the bridge was restored to its original condition., On September 16, 1991, it reopened for public use. The Philippi covered bridge is on of the few remaining covered bridges in West Virginia. The state has lost about 72 covered bridges in a 40 year span.

For more information on the history Philippi and the Covered Bridge.