ABOVE: SPAIN CREEK BRIDGE
Union County Covered Bridges
One of the best known bridge builders in Central Ohio was Reuben Partridge. Reuben was responsible for more than 100 covered bridges during his long career. Today there are only a few of his bridges remaining.
REUBEN PARTRIDGE
Union County Covered Bridges all have windows along the side. At the time the original covered bridges were built, traffic was either pedestrian or by horse. There are several reasons for not having windows built on these bridges, some even suggest that the windows might have startled a horse passing over the bridge. More than likely however, is the fact that the openings would cost more to build, provide a direct opening for inclement weather.
The reason for the bridges being covered is to protect the wood. The other answer is that the builders constructing the bridges often had little education, especially in the engineering technology. They did have plenty of house building experience. They understood what it took to construct walls tied together with ceiling joists and rafters, all together combined to create a stable structure that would stand up to harsh winds, snowy weather and rain.
It was the responsibility of the nearest farmer to make sure the bridge was in good shape and free of snow and ice. That is why many of the bridges bear the name of a local farmer. The reason the bridges were made of wood instead of iron, steel or concrete, is because quality wood was plentiful and easy to use. Iron and steel had to be fabricated to exact sizes and then transported from the foundry to the bridge location; much easier to just build the structure out of wood.
POTTERSBURG BRIDGE
The Pottersburg Bridge is now part of a multi-use trail and not used for vehicular traffic. It was originally located where the North Lewisburg Road Covered Bridge now stands. This historic bridge was designed and built by Reuben Partridge in 1868. The windows were added back 1937. The bridge was moved in 2006 and painted red in 2007. The bridge is used throughout the year for special events, especially the annual Covered Bridge Festival where the bridge is converted to an open air diner.
CULBERTSON BRIDGE (Winget Road Bridge)
Built in 1868 by Reuben Partridge, the 94' bridge now spans the Treacle Creek. The bridge was originally located on SR 4 and moved in the early 1950s. In 1961 the bridge underwent extensive repairs and reconstruction. Because the road saw an increase in heavy farm equipment, rather than move the bridge again, a new road was constructed around the bridge so heavy equipment could bypass the bridge. In the 1980s the bridge was rehabilitated again, this time glue laminate beams were added for increased strength. It is rumored that the bridge may be haunted by some lost lover long-ago.
BUCK RUN ROAD BRIDGE
Built in 2006, it replaced a bridge built back in 1914. The large, modern 2-land bridge spans 160' over the Big Darby Creek.
SPAIN CREEK BRIDGE (also known as the Inskeep-Cratty Road Bridge)
The Spain Creek Bridge was built in the 1870s. and spans 64'. It was built by Reuben Partridge. It is the smallest of all the surviving bridges. In 1988 the bridge was completely renovated and again 2008 repairs were made to the bridge. The windows were added later.
NORTH LEWISBURG ROAD COVERED BRIDGE
Built in 2006, the North Lewisburg Road Bridge is 135' long and is 2 lanes wide. It is constructed using a modified Pratt Truss. The bridge spans the Big Darby Creek.
Union County Covered Bridge Festival
The Union County Covered Bridge Festival is quickly becoming a regional favorite. In early September visitors have the opportunity to tour Union County's historic covered bridges and learn more about their history throughout Union County. Noted as a celebration of local heritage, the Union County Covered Bridge Festival is marked with various activities in Marysville, Milford Center, North Lewisburg, Plain City and Unionville Center.
Panorama of the North Lewisburg Bridge:
