Rapps Bridge
Rapps Bridge, also known as Rapps Dam Bridge, is one of fifteen surviving historic wooden covered bridges in Chester County, Pennsylvania. Rapps Bridge is located on Rapps Dam Road in East Pikeland Township.
Rapps Bridge | |
 Rapps Bridge, June 2007 | |
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| Location | Rapps Dam Road off of Route 23, East Pikeland Township, Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 40.13826°N 75.55286°W |
| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1866 |
| Built by | Benjamin F. Hartman |
| Architectural style | Burr truss |
| MPS | Covered Bridges of Chester County TR (AD) |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001608[1] |
| Added to NRHP | June 18, 1973 |
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.[1]
History and notable features
This bridge is a 105-foot-long (32 m), Burr truss bridge that was constructed in 1866 by Benjamin F. Hartman.[2] It has fieldstone abutments, horizontal siding and boxed cornices with returns at its portals.
It is one of three covered bridges that cross French Creek, the others being Hall's Bridge and Kennedy Bridge.[3]
It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.[1]
The Rapps Bridge was renovated in 1978 and again in 2011 for approximately 1.5 million dollars.[4]
On April 29, 2014, the bridge was heavily damaged when a tractor trailer crossed it. It re-opened in October 2015.[5]
References
- "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
- Pennsylvania Covered Bridges website
- "National Historic Landmarks & National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania" (Searchable database). ARCH: Pennsylvania's Historic Architecture & Archaeology. Retrieved 2012-11-02. Note: This includes Susan M. Zacher (July 1980). "National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form: Rapps Bridge" (PDF). Retrieved 2012-11-17.
- Lynn Jusinski. "Rapps Dam Covered Bridge to Open Monday". PhoenixvillePatch November 18, 2011.
- Newspaper story about the accident
