About Christman Covered Bridge
The Christman Covered Bridge is a historic 100-foot Childs Truss covered bridge carrying Eaton-New Hope Road over Seven Mile Creek in Washington Township, northwest of Eaton. Built in 1895 by master bridge builder Everett S. Sherman, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The white-painted bridge remains open to traffic and is considered by many to be the most picturesque of Preble County's covered bridges.
History of Christman Covered Bridge
Everett S. Sherman built this bridge in 1895 as the penultimate of his career. The bridge was named for Solomon Christman, who owned the land around the bridge and operated a water-powered sawmill downstream. The original construction cost was approximately $4,250. Rehabilitation work from 2007 to 2008 cost $331,093.75, preserving this historic treasure for future generations.
Architecture and Design
The Christman Bridge is an 11-panel Childs Truss design, 100 feet long overall. The Childs Truss, patented in 1846 by Horace Childs of New Hampshire, uses iron rods as diagonal counterbraces in a multiple kingpost configuration. Pine lumber for the trusses came from Cobb and Mitchell of Cadillac, Michigan.
Visiting Christman Covered Bridge
Located on Eaton-New Hope Road about 1.5 miles northwest of Eaton, the Christman Covered Bridge is still open to traffic. The scenic location beside Seven Mile Creek makes this an excellent photography spot, especially during fall foliage season.