Philippi Covered Bridge
a.k.a. Lemuel Chenoweth Bridge at Philippi
U.S. 250 at jct. with U.S. 119, Philippi, WVBenjamin F. Kelley caught up with the retreating Confederates, and a brief skirmish ensued, resulting in three casualties. Confederate troops, some of whom were sleeping within the covered bridge, hastily fled. Dumont's 7th Indiana Volunteers "captured" the bridge for the Union. McClellan's reports of the engagement sent to Washington were so glowing that the engagement was hailed as a major victory for the Union. This first inland engagement of the Civil War and the later battle near Belington did, in large part, secure the B&O and this section of western Virginia for the Union cause.
At times, Union troops used the bridge as barracks and wartime traffic flowed over it in the movement of supplies from the railroad at Webster, south along the Tygart's Valley to maintain the army of occupation. Many of the other Chenoweth bridges on the Staunton Pike were destroyed. The Philippi bridge remained intact, largely because it was controlled by the Union, whose cause it served.
Reportedly, the bridge was in danger on two other occasions during the war. In 1863, the Confederate raider, Gen. William Jones made plans to burn the bridge. A local citizen, Rev. Joshua Corder, convinced Jones to spare the bridge. Again in 1861, three members of Confederate Company D, 20th Virginia mounted Infantry were ordered to destroy the bridge. Their commander, Bri.. General W. L. Jackson rescinded the order when it was learned that their plans were known.
The old covered bridge has survived the elements, war, flood, fire, and vehicular damage for nearly 120 years. In 1952 Philippi and the Barbour County Historical Society sponsored a centennial celebration, at which time a history of the bridge was compiled and published. The bridge's real significance may well be its long history of service in providing for the transportation needs of countless Virginians and West Virginians.
Local significance of the structure:
At times, Union troops used the bridge as barracks and wartime traffic flowed over it in the movement of supplies from the railroad at Webster, south along the Tygart's Valley to maintain the army of occupation. Many of the other Chenoweth bridges on the Staunton Pike were destroyed. The Philippi bridge remained intact, largely because it was controlled by the Union, whose cause it served.
Reportedly, the bridge was in danger on two other occasions during the war. In 1863, the Confederate raider, Gen. William Jones made plans to burn the bridge. A local citizen, Rev. Joshua Corder, convinced Jones to spare the bridge. Again in 1861, three members of Confederate Company D, 20th Virginia mounted Infantry were ordered to destroy the bridge. Their commander, Bri.. General W. L. Jackson rescinded the order when it was learned that their plans were known.
The old covered bridge has survived the elements, war, flood, fire, and vehicular damage for nearly 120 years. In 1952 Philippi and the Barbour County Historical Society sponsored a centennial celebration, at which time a history of the bridge was compiled and published. The bridge's real significance may well be its long history of service in providing for the transportation needs of countless Virginians and West Virginians.
Military; Engineering; Transportation; Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
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 New River Gorge Bridge, located in Fayetteville, West Virginia, is the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere. It was completed in 1977 and spans 3,030 feet across the New River Gorge.
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 condensed summary of the historical journey 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.