McCafferty Road Covered Bridge
The McCafferty Road Covered Bridge is a 157-foot Howe truss spanning the East Fork Little Miami River in Brown County, Ohio. Built in 1877 by the Smith Bridge Company, it remains open to traffic today.
About McCafferty Road Covered Bridge
The McCafferty Road Covered Bridge carries McCafferty Road over the East Fork of the Little Miami River southwest of Fayetteville in Brown County, Ohio. This substantial 157-foot covered bridge features a Howe truss design and was constructed in 1877 by the renowned Smith Bridge Company of Toledo. Remarkably, the bridge remains open to traffic today, continuing to serve the local community nearly 150 years after its construction.
History of McCafferty Road Covered Bridge
Built in 1877 by the Smith Bridge Company, the McCafferty Road Covered Bridge has served the rural community near Vera Cruz for nearly a century and a half. The Smith Bridge Company of Toledo was one of Ohio's most prolific bridge builders, constructing numerous covered bridges throughout the state using various truss designs. The McCafferty Road Bridge was last rehabilitated in 1963, which helped ensure its continued viability for vehicular traffic. The bridge's location spanning the East Fork of the Little Miami River made it an important crossing for the agricultural community of Perry Township.
Architecture and Design
The McCafferty Road Covered Bridge utilizes the Howe truss design, patented by William Howe in 1840. This design features vertical iron rods to handle tension forces while wooden diagonal members manage compression loads. At 157 feet, the bridge represents a substantial span for this truss type. The Howe truss was favored for longer spans due to its efficient use of materials and ability to be adjusted by tightening the iron rods. The traditional covered bridge siding and roof protect the wooden structural members from weathering, contributing to the bridge's remarkable longevity.
Visiting McCafferty Road Covered Bridge
The McCafferty Road Covered Bridge is located southwest of Fayetteville in Perry Township, near the unincorporated community of Vera Cruz. From US Route 50, travel approximately 2 miles southwest from Vera Cruz and turn left onto McCafferty Road (County Road 105). The bridge is one of only two covered bridges in Brown County that remains open to vehicular traffic, allowing visitors to drive through while experiencing this piece of 19th-century engineering. The scenic East Fork of the Little Miami River provides a beautiful setting, making this an excellent stop on a Brown County covered bridge tour.