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Germantown
Covered Bridge #35-57-01
In 1870, the
Germantown Covered Bridge was built and was originally located
on the Dayton Pike. In 1911, the bridge was moved to its present
location, where it has been restored and beautified as a link
with Ohio's early history. It is a symbol of individual initiative
in America's pioneer days.
 The
Germantown Covered Bridge is 105 feet long. The bridge crosses
the Little Twin Creek with a bed width of 80 feet at the bridge
site. The Little Twin Creek drains a small portion of southwestern
Montgomery County. Little Twin Creek is normally a shallow stream
and mostly dries up in the summer months.
The Truss
design:
the inverted steel bowstring  arch has no siding so
the entire truss may be viewed externally. The curve of the bowstring
combined with the wooden/steel compression/tension members, and
the crisscross steel tie rods form an enticing geometrical configurations.
The floor planking laid crosswise and the roof is shingled. The
bridge has one span and rests on cut stone abutments.
Presently, the Germantown Covered Bridge is closed to vehicles
but is open for pedestrian traffic only. The bridge is one of
the more famous covered bridges in Ohio and in the United States
because of its one of only two inverted bowstring suspension
bridges left in the world. The other inverted bowstring is the
John
Bright #2 now
located, after its move and total renovation at Ohio University's
Lancaster Branch Campus in Fairfield County. The Germantown is
the only one that has a strictly Bowstring Truss
without any additional supports added.
The Germantown is quite spectacular. In 1963, the bridge became
dangerous and was closed to traffic. At that time the people
of Germantown chose to preserve it as a landmark. A committee
of twelve civic leaders was officially appointed by Mayor Ross
Brewer and the work started. Miami Valley business firms offered
their services, evaluating the bridge as a genuine historic landmark.
The work was completed without assistance from the village budget.
The bridge symbolizes respect for American heritage and tradition.
Germantown is a historic village which celebrates its heritage
with festivals such as an Octoberfest and a Pretzel Festival.
The Germantown Covered Bridge is listed on the National Register
of Historic Places.
Directions: In Germantown, the bridge
crosses Little Twin Creek
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