Why did they cover bridges in Indiana?
Why did they cover bridges in Indiana? Because the bridges were constructed with timber, they were covered to protect them from the elements. They were often the largest covered area in a community and were sometimes used for revival meetings, weddings, and political rallies.
Why did they stop building covered bridges?
In the mid-1800s, the development of cheaper wrought iron and cast iron led to metal rather than timber trusses. Metal structures did not need protection from the elements, so they no longer needed to be covered.
Why were New England bridges covered?
Made from available timber, such as spruce and white pine, the bridges were flexible and strong but decayed quickly when exposed to rain and snow. By the early 1800s, bridge builders began to protect their bridges with roofs and siding – making covered bridges.
Why are Amish bridges covered?
Today there are around 200 covered bridges, that remain in the state of Pennsylvania, and that includes 28 just in Lancaster County! While covered bridges are sometimes called “kissing bridges” the reason for the roofs is to protect the bridge's truss structure from all the weather conditions.