National Register Listing

East Oriental Covered Bridge

a.k.a. Sheaffer Covered Bridge

NE of Oriental, Susquehanna/Perry Townships, Oriental, PA
Local significance of the structure:
Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

bridges
The first U.S. Navy submarine, the USS Holland, was built in Philadelphia in 1900.
Pennsylvania random facts
Juniata County is located in central Pennsylvania and has a rich history dating back to the early 18th century. The area that is now Juniata County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Tuscarora and Susquehannock tribes. European settlers began arriving in the area in the early 1700s, with the first permanent settlements established around 1755.

During the American Revolution, Juniata County played a significant role. In 1776, Mifflintown, the county seat, was founded and named after Thomas Mifflin, a prominent patriot and Pennsylvania Governor. The area saw numerous skirmishes and battles during the war, as it was strategically located along the Susquehanna River.

In the 19th century, Juniata County became known for its agricultural industry, with farming and dairy becoming the main economic drivers. The county's rich soil and access to transportation through the Pennsylvania Canal and later the Pennsylvania Railroad allowed for the growth of these industries. Manually-operated gristmills and sawmills were also essential to the county's development.

Today, Juniata County remains a predominantly rural area, known for its beautiful landscapes and small-town charm. Its economy is still largely based on agriculture, with farming and livestock playing a significant role. The county is also home to historic sites, including the Juniata County Historical Society Museum, which provides a glimpse into its past and showcases the various periods of its history.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Juniata County, Pennsylvania.

  • March 2, 1831 - Juniata County is created from portions of Mifflin County and Perry County.
  • 1832 - The county seat is established in Mifflintown.
  • 1846 - Arch Rock, a natural stone formation, becomes a popular tourist attraction.
  • 1864 - The Battle of Lost Creek, a minor skirmish during the Civil War, takes place in the county.
  • 1873 - Juniata County Agricultural Society is formed to promote agriculture and hold annual fairs.
  • 1907 - The Port Royal Speedway, a dirt track for auto racing, opens in Juniata County.
  • 1944 - Walker Bridge, a historic covered bridge, is built over Lost Creek.
  • 2004 - The Juniata County Historical Society is established to preserve and promote the county's history.