About Root Covered Bridge
Root Covered Bridge is a historic 65-foot Long truss bridge located in Decatur Township, Washington County, Ohio. Built in 1878 by Charles and Alta Merydith, the bridge spans the West Branch of the Little Hocking River off State Route 555. It was named for the nearby community of Root Town, which has since become a ghost town.
History of Root Covered Bridge
Root Covered Bridge was constructed in 1878 by members of the Merydith family, prolific bridge builders in Washington County. The Merydiths heavily favored the Long truss style and were responsible for building both the Hune and Harra Covered Bridges as well. In early 1975, the Root Covered Bridge became the first Washington County covered bridge to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge was restored in 2001 and is now open to pedestrian traffic only.
Architecture and Design
The Root Bridge measures 65 feet in its single span and employs the Long truss mode of truss bridge construction. The Long truss was first used around 1830 and consists of a series of boxed X's with three or more panels. Throughout Ohio, only eight Long truss bridges remain in existence today, with the majority located in southern Ohio. The bridge features weatherboarded walls on stone abutments, a metal roof, and elements of iron and steel.
Visiting Root Covered Bridge
Root Covered Bridge is located on County Road 6 (Burnett Road) in Decatur Township, just north of State Route 555. From Cutler, travel about 4.4 miles on State Route 555, then turn left on County Road 6 to find the bridge. The bridge is open to pedestrians only following its 2001 restoration. Its designation as the first NRHP-listed covered bridge in Washington County makes it a significant destination for covered bridge enthusiasts.