A while back I blogged about the Bridges of Madison County in Iowa. No disrespect intended to those wonderful bridges, but the covered bridge in Philippi, West Virginia is truly a marvelous gem.
This bridge was constructed in 1852 and was constructed of yellow poplar. The bridge is 26 feet wide and 285 feet long. Much wider and longer than any others I’ve seen. A tollgate stood at the eastern end to collect fares from users. Today the bridge carries local traffic and is the only covered bridge on a federal highway. It really is a treat to drive through the covered bridge. I think you’ll agree it’s quite an engineering feat.
Philippi also lays claim to the first land battle of the Civil War. On June 3, 1861, Union troops charged down one of the hills near Philippi, crossed the covered bridge into town and the first land battle ensued.
The Union forces had been attempting to secure the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at several points while the Confederates moved to post their own regiments along the railroad line. General Lee sent Colonel George A. Porterfield to raise troops in western Virginia. Porterfield and his troops reached Philippi on May 30, 1861. On the same day, Union forces under Colonel Benjamin F. Kelley arrived in Grafton, fifteen miles north. On June 2-3, the Union troops advanced down the slope, across the bridge and into town. Some fighting occurred on Main Street as Colonel Porterfield and his confederate troops fled in such haste that the battle was referred to as the Philippi Races.
Only a few men on either side were wounded, and none were killed, but Colonel Kelley was struck in the chest; he later named his horse Philippi—a nice gesture, right? An even more interesting tidbit is the fact that a private named James E. Hanger became the war’s first amputee when a solid shot fired from Talbott Hill struck his leg. He later became an inventor and manufacturer of artificial limbs. Out of adversity, God used this man to benefit others—and He continues to do the same for those of us who are open to being used by Him.
And I couldn’t close without a picture of this beautiful flower. The rhododendron bushes flanked the front porch of my sister’s home and I was thrilled they were in bloom while I was visiting.
May you find joy in the beauty that surrounds you. ~Judy
Judy,Judy,Judy,I am in despair!
ReplyDeleteHow on earth am I going to make a decision what to see, when we next visit the States? Your post is sooo good and makes me want to leap on the plane RIGHT NOW!
I am trying to retain all the info as best I can. I love your History lessons,so dear lady...keep them rolling!:)
Don't despair, Rosie. You sure can't see it all at one time--some of these places are just too far apart, but that only means you get to make continual trips to the States and check out different areas each time. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely pictures, Judy. How marvelous is God - to think of those engineering feats.
ReplyDeleteI was 'finding joy in the beauty that surrounds us' this morning - we've had continuous sunny mornings here for the past 14 days. It's 75-80 degrees and air is so fresh, smelling of the field flowers growing wild around the area. I can hear the robins, gold finches and chickadees singing their own praises to God, and I can see the dew drops glistening on the branches. Of course there are also bears running around and we have to take care not to run into them, but other than that, it is so wonderful out there early in the morning.
I can't help but notice how good God is.
What wonderful weather you're enjoying, Mary Louise. And you've made it sound so inviting that I'd like to drop in and take a walk with you--minus the bears. :) There is so much beauty around us, if we just take the extra few minutes to actually 'see' what He's created. There truly is something new every day!
ReplyDeleteThanks for another great post, Professor Judy!*grin* Seriously, I learn SO much from your posts--maybe because you make it seem more interesting than all those history classes I took back in school (or maybe it was because back then I was distracted by all those DINOSAURS roaming around, teehee). ~ And I second what you told Rosie about needing more visits to our USA! (Waving at our precious Aussie friend!). ~ Mary-Louise, we're thrilled you're one of our "regulars" now--you are always welcome here! ~ Hugs, Patti Jo
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patti Jo. Glad to be available to put on my "teacher hat." :)
ReplyDeleteCovered bridges hold a special place in my heart. There are all sorts of lattice patterns, window types, kinds of wood... they each have a different personality.
ReplyDeleteLooooove the pic, Judy!
Cathy