About Harra Covered Bridge
Harra Covered Bridge is a historic single-span Long truss bridge located in Watertown Township, Washington County, Ohio. Built in 1875, the bridge spans the South Branch of Wolf Creek near State Route 339. The bridge is named for James Harrah (with the final letter dropped), whose farm provided the stone for the abutments.
History of Harra Covered Bridge
Harra Covered Bridge was constructed in 1875 under the leadership of Marietta bridge builder William Meredith. One of his primary employees was stonemason Billy Gamble, who used locally quarried stone from the Harrah family farm to construct the abutments. The bridge remained in service carrying daily traffic until 1982 when it was bypassed. In 1976, the Harra Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, qualifying both for its historically significant architecture and its importance in Ohio history.
Architecture and Design
The bridge employs the Long truss design, first used around 1830 and consisting of a series of boxed X's with three or more panels making up the entire truss. Fewer than ten historic Long truss bridges remain in Ohio today. The bridge features vertical siding painted red and trimmed in white, cut stone abutments, and a metal roof. It sits atop the original stone foundation and demonstrates excellent preservation of its historic character.
Visiting Harra Covered Bridge
Harra Covered Bridge is located on Township Road 172 (Camp Hervida Road) in Watertown Township, about 2 miles north of Watertown. From State Route 339, after the 15-mile marker, turn left onto Camp Hervida Road (Township Road 108) and continue approximately half a mile. There is room to pull off in front of or behind the bridge for viewing and photography.