National Register Listing

Beechdale Bridge

a.k.a. Burkholder Bridge

SW of Berlin off US 219, Brothersvalley Township, Berlin, PA
Local significance of the structure:
Engineering; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1980.

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 town of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania was the site of the famous Civil War battle in 1863, which was the turning point of the war and resulted in a Union victory.
Pennsylvania random facts
Somerset County, Pennsylvania has a rich history dating back to the early 18th century. The county was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware tribes. The area was first explored by Europeans in the late 1600s, with the first permanent European settlement being established in 1748 by Jacob Coleman.

During the American Revolutionary War, Somerset County played a significant role as a strategic location. It was a route for military supply lines and saw several engagements, such as the Battle of Fort Bedford in 1758 and the Battle of Ligonier in 1758. The county was also home to Whiskey Rebellion activities in the late 1700s, as farmers protested against the federal excise tax on whiskey.

In the 19th century, Somerset County experienced rapid growth and development. The construction of the Cumberland Road (now part of US Route 40) in the early 1800s connected the region to the West, leading to increased trade and economic opportunities. The discovery of rich coal seams in the area further fueled growth, attracting mining companies and providing employment to many residents.

The county's industrialization continued into the 20th century, with the rise of the steel and manufacturing industries. Somerset County was also home to Flight 93, one of the planes hijacked during the September 11, 2001 attacks, which crashed in Stonycreek Township. Today, Somerset County is known for its beautiful rural landscapes, historic sites, and outdoor recreational opportunities, attracting visitors from all over.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Somerset County, Pennsylvania.

  • April 17, 1771 - Somerset County officially formed as part of Bedford County.
  • 1795 - Somerset becomes an independent county.
  • 1797 - Somerset County's first courthouse is built in the town of Somerset.
  • 1815 - The National Road, a major transportation route, reaches Somerset County.
  • 1846 - The Pennsylvania Railroad reaches Somerset County, further improving transportation and trade.
  • September 11-13, 2001 - United Airlines Flight 93 crashes in Stonycreek Township during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
  • 2002 - The Flight 93 National Memorial is established to honor and remember the passengers and crew who lost their lives on Flight 93.
  • Present - Somerset County continues to thrive as a scenic and historical area, attracting visitors with its natural beauty and rich heritage.