Bridging the Past and Present with Wooden Wonders

As a retired professor who has traded in the university halls for the open road, I’ve discovered a newfound passion for capturing the timeless beauty of America’s architectural heritage. And nowhere is this more apparent than in the captivating world of covered bridges.

Recently, I decided to turn my lens towards the wooden wonders of my new home state of Kentucky. You see, after leaving the East Coast, I traded in the bustle of Delaware for the laid-back charms of Louisville. And let me tell you, this city has not disappointed – the late 19th-century historic gems and the reasonable cost of living have made my transition to retirement simply delightful.

But it’s my latest project that has really got me excited. I’ve set out to document Kentucky’s remaining covered bridges for the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) – a task that has taken me on quite the adventure. From getting lost down winding backroads to braving the sweltering summer heat, tracking down these hidden gems has been no easy feat. Yet, the payoff of preserving their stories for future generations has made every step worth it.

Uncovering the Engineering Marvels of the Past

You see, these covered bridges are so much more than quaint relics of a bygone era. In fact, their development was a critical milestone in the birth of American engineering. As the government website explains, the evolution of wooden truss bridges was a significant accomplishment in the early days of civil engineering in this country.

Back in the day, wood was the material of choice – it was plentiful, strong, and durable. And as the young nation rapidly expanded, there was a pressing need for bridges that could carry heavier loads over longer distances, but at a lower cost. This led to a period of intense innovation, with bridge builders experimenting with various truss designs to push the boundaries of what was possible.

From the iconic Burr arch trusses to the efficient lattice trusses, these wooden wonders showcase the ingenuity of our ancestors. As historian David L. Ames explains, the development of these truss systems was a critical step in the evolution of American civil engineering. What may have once been seen as quaint relics are, in fact, testaments to the brilliant minds that paved the way for modern infrastructure.

Preserving the Past, Building for the Future

And the story doesn’t end there. Even as steel and concrete became the materials of choice for larger bridges, timber continued to play a crucial role, especially on secondary and low-volume roads. In fact, the government data reveals that timber bridges still account for around 7% of all bridges in the National Bridge Inventory.

But it wasn’t until the late 20th century that we really started to appreciate the value of these wooden wonders. In 1989, the U.S. Congress established the Timber Bridge Initiative, a program that has since funded the construction of hundreds of timber bridges across the country. And in 1991, the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA) provided even more resources for this renewed interest in using wood for transportation structures.

These days, the focus is on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with timber. From innovative glue-laminated (glulam) beams to stress-laminated decks, researchers are constantly finding new ways to harness the strength and versatility of wood. And as timber building companies continue to lead the way, the future of timber bridges looks brighter than ever.

Capturing the Essence of Covered Bridges

But back to my Kentucky adventure. As I ventured out to document these historical gems, I couldn’t help but be struck by the sheer character of each bridge. From the sturdy Burr arch trusses to the graceful lattice designs, every structure seemed to have a personality all its own.

Take the Wood-Covered Bridge over the Licking River, for instance. As David Ames recounts, this three-span Burr arch truss was built in 1870 and was recorded by HABS just before its demolition. The fact that the roof and siding had already been removed provided a rare opportunity to truly appreciate the intricate timber framing – a true engineering marvel.

And then there’s the Bennetts Mill Bridge, the last surviving example of the regional Wheeler truss in the country. Lola Bennett’s HAER documentation of this ca. 1874 structure captures the delicate balance of its design, a testament to the skill of its builders.

The Challenges of Covered Bridge Documentation

Of course, tracking down and photographing these bridges has been no easy feat. As Ames so aptly describes, “their remoteness in valleys or hollows may partly explain why they survived.” And let me tell you, those Kentucky backroads can be a real maze, even with the aid of GPS and good old-fashioned maps.

But the real challenge comes in the meticulous documentation process required by HABS and HAER. You see, these programs don’t just want a few snapshots – they want a comprehensive visual record that can be used by historians and preservationists for years to come. That means using large-format 4×5, 5×7, or 8×10 cameras to capture every detail, from the superstructure features to the environmental context.

It’s a painstaking task, but one that I’ve come to truly appreciate. As I carefully compose each shot, I can’t help but feel a sense of connection to the bridge’s history. Each angle, each perspective, tells a piece of the story – a story that I’m honored to preserve for future generations.

Continuing the Timber Bridge Legacy

As I wrap up my work on the Kentucky covered bridges, I can’t help but feel a renewed sense of admiration for the timeless beauty and engineering prowess of these wooden wonders. And I know that my journey is just one small part of a much larger story – a story that spans centuries of American innovation.

From the early pioneers who relied on these bridges to cross the rivers and streams of a growing nation, to the modern researchers and engineers pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with timber, the legacy of the timber bridge continues to inspire. And as timber building companies lead the way in sustainable construction, I have no doubt that these structures will continue to span further, connecting our past to our future.

So, the next time you cross a covered bridge, or admire the sleek lines of a modern timber bridge, take a moment to appreciate the rich history and engineering brilliance that lies behind it. Because in the end, these wooden wonders aren’t just relics of the past – they’re the building blocks of our nation’s infrastructure, and a testament to the enduring power of this remarkable material.