Carrolton Covered Bridge
SR 36, Carrollton, WVNineteenth-century maps show an "M. F. Pike", which crosses the Buchannon River at the present location of the Carrollton bridge. The "M. F. Pike" is probably the "Middle Fork Road", which is mentioned in the 1855 and 1857 Annual Reports of the Virginia Board of Public Works. Included in these reports is a reference to a contract for a "Buchannon bridge", which was constructed on the Middle Fork Road and spanned the Buchannon River. The bridge's length was the same span (approximately 142 feet) as the present-day Carrollton bridge.
Emmett J. and Daniel O'Brien were the contractors for the Buchannon bridge. A native of Beverly, West Virginia, Emmett had been the masonry contractor for the more famous Philippi bridge. The O'Brien brothers raised the superstructure prior to November 25, 1855, and construction was completed in the fall of 1856.
The original cost of the bridge was $2,928.11 for the 839 perches making up the abutments and $1,691.15 for the superstructure, which was built for $11.875 per linear foot. However, after the contract was awarded, the unforeseen instability of the river banks made it necessary to increase the width of the superstructure by two feet and the length of the wing walls by twenty feet. As a result of these modifications, $200.00 was added to the cost of the superstructure. The total cost of the bridge was $4,819.26.
The Carrollton Covered Bridge is one of the two remaining covered bridges in Barbour County. It is the second-longest covered bridge in West Virginia and it is one of three bridges in the state, which display the patented Burr Arch System Constructed approximately two years following the completion of the Philippi bridge, it stands as the 3rd oldest covered bridge in West Virginia.
Local significance of the structure:
Emmett J. and Daniel O'Brien were the contractors for the Buchannon bridge. A native of Beverly, West Virginia, Emmett had been the masonry contractor for the more famous Philippi bridge. The O'Brien brothers raised the superstructure prior to November 25, 1855, and construction was completed in the fall of 1856.
The original cost of the bridge was $2,928.11 for the 839 perches making up the abutments and $1,691.15 for the superstructure, which was built for $11.875 per linear foot. However, after the contract was awarded, the unforeseen instability of the river banks made it necessary to increase the width of the superstructure by two feet and the length of the wing walls by twenty feet. As a result of these modifications, $200.00 was added to the cost of the superstructure. The total cost of the bridge was $4,819.26.
The Carrollton Covered Bridge is one of the two remaining covered bridges in Barbour County. It is the second-longest covered bridge in West Virginia and it is one of three bridges in the state, which display the patented Burr Arch System Constructed approximately two years following the completion of the Philippi bridge, it stands as the 3rd oldest covered bridge in West Virginia.
Engineering; Transportation
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1981.
About National Register Listings
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.
The first land battle of the Civil War was fought in Philippi, West Virginia on June 3, 1861. Union forces, under the command of General George B. McClellan, defeated Confederate troops in what is known as the Battle of Philippi.
About Barbour County
Barbour County Timeline
Barbour County, located in West Virginia, has a rich and diverse history that spans several centuries. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Delaware, who utilized the region's abundant natural resources for hunting, fishing, and gathering.
European settlers began arriving in the late 1770s, with the first permanent settlement established in 1780. The county was officially created in 1843, named after Philip Pendleton Barbour, an influential Virginia politician. During the 1800s, Barbour County became an important center for agriculture, logging, and later, coal mining.
Barbour County played an important role during the American Civil War. It was the site of several battles and skirmishes between Union and Confederate forces, including the Battle of Philippi in 1861, which is considered the first organized land battle of the war. Following the war, the county experienced economic growth as industries such as lumber and textiles flourished.
In the 20th century, Barbour County continued to evolve, with the advent of modern transportation and infrastructure. The construction of railroads allowed for easier access to markets, while the expansion of roads and bridges further connected the county to neighboring areas. Today, Barbour County is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and tight-knit communities that preserve its historical heritage.
European settlers began arriving in the late 1770s, with the first permanent settlement established in 1780. The county was officially created in 1843, named after Philip Pendleton Barbour, an influential Virginia politician. During the 1800s, Barbour County became an important center for agriculture, logging, and later, coal mining.
Barbour County played an important role during the American Civil War. It was the site of several battles and skirmishes between Union and Confederate forces, including the Battle of Philippi in 1861, which is considered the first organized land battle of the war. Following the war, the county experienced economic growth as industries such as lumber and textiles flourished.
In the 20th century, Barbour County continued to evolve, with the advent of modern transportation and infrastructure. The construction of railroads allowed for easier access to markets, while the expansion of roads and bridges further connected the county to neighboring areas. Today, Barbour County is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and tight-knit communities that preserve its historical heritage.
Barbour County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Barbour County, West Virginia.
- 1789: Barbour County is established as a county in what was then Virginia.
- 1820: Philippi becomes the county seat of Barbour County.
- 1861-1865: Barbour County is deeply affected by the American Civil War.
- 1863: The Battle of Philippi takes place, marking the first organized land action of the war.
- 1929: A flood devastates the communities in Barbour County.
- 1972: Audra State Park is established in the county.
- 1990: The Barbour County Historical Museum is opened in Philippi.