About McCafferty Road Covered Bridge
The McCafferty Road Covered Bridge carries daily traffic over the East Fork of the Little Miami River in the unincorporated community of Vera Cruz, Brown County, Ohio. Built in 1877, this 157-foot Howe truss bridge remains one of the few covered bridges in southwestern Ohio that continues to serve its original purpose of carrying vehicles.
History of McCafferty Road Covered Bridge
Constructed in 1877 by the Smith Bridge Company of Toledo, Ohio, the McCafferty Road Covered Bridge has served the community of Vera Cruz for nearly 150 years. The Smith Bridge Company was renowned for their quality covered bridge construction throughout Ohio. The bridge underwent rehabilitation in 1963, which helped ensure its continued use as an active traffic route. The unpainted structure maintains its authentic 19th-century appearance while continuing to function as intended.
Architecture and Design
The McCafferty Road Covered Bridge features a Howe truss design, one of the most common types used for covered bridges in Ohio. Patented by William Howe in 1840, this truss system uses vertical iron rods in tension combined with wooden diagonal members in compression. At 157 feet in length, the bridge demonstrates the Howe truss's suitability for longer spans. The open design of the siding allows glimpses of the truss structure within.
Visiting McCafferty Road Covered Bridge
The McCafferty Road Covered Bridge is located southwest of Fayetteville, Ohio. From Vera Cruz, travel 2 miles southwest on US Route 50, then turn left onto McCafferty Road (CR 105). The bridge is open for daily vehicular use, offering visitors the experience of driving through a historic covered bridge. Exercise caution when crossing as it is a single-lane bridge with regular local traffic. The scenic location along the East Fork of the Little Miami River makes this a popular destination for covered bridge enthusiasts.