Landmark #390 | Nevada County | Visited: July 9, 2016 | Plaque? YES! 🙂 |
What is it? | A historical park with a magnificent covered bridge spanning the Yuba River! |
What makes it historical? | THE GUIDE SAYS: Built in 1862 by David Isaac John Wood with lumber from his mill in Sierra County, this bridge was part of the Virginia Turnpike Company toll road which served the northern mines and the busy Nevada Comstock Lode. Utilizing a combination truss and arch construction, it is one of the oldest housed spans in the west and the longest single-span wood-covered bridge in the United States.
OTHER TIDBITS: Not to be confused with the town of Bridgeport in Mono County, this 229-foot bridge was one of many built by private companies to fuel the Gold Rush. It turns out that having private companies build toll roads was the most reliable way to ensure that the roads would get built at all during this wild time! This landmark is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places! |
How can I Help the Helpers? | HERE’S HOW:
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Where is this place? | LISTED DIRECTIONS: W side of Pleasant Valley Rd at S Fork of the Yuba River 2.7 mi S of French Corral, CA 95946 ANNOTATIONS: From Los Angeles: ~449mi (723km) — 7.5hrs |
When should I go? | The park’s hours are subject to change, but you should be okay visiting between sunrise and sunset! |