About Shinn Covered Bridge
Shinn Covered Bridge is a historic 98-foot Burr Arch Truss bridge located in Palmer Township, Washington County, Ohio. Built in 1886 by local carpenter Charles T. Shinn, the bridge spans the West Branch of Wolf Creek on Township Road 91. The bridge was tragically built following the drowning of one of Shinn's children, motivating the construction of a safe crossing.
History of Shinn Covered Bridge
Shinn Covered Bridge was built around 1886 by Charles T. Shinn, a carpenter who lived nearby. The crossing of Wolf Creek at the Shinn Farm was previously done by a ford some 100 yards upstream, which was inconvenient and dangerous during high water. After one of his children drowned, Shinn was motivated to build a permanent covered bridge. E.B. Henderson was hired to assist with construction. The bridge was rehabilitated in 1998 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
Architecture and Design
The Shinn Bridge employs the Burr Arch Truss design, patented in 1804 by Theodore Burr of New York. This design combines the wooden arch first designed by Andrea Palladio in the post-Renaissance period with the common kingpost type of wooden truss. The bridge is a 10-panel Burr truss with 6-ply laminated arches, double on each side of the trusses. It measures 99 feet 10 inches overall with a truss length of 97 feet 10 inches. The bridge has never been painted and features vertical siding and small roofed windows on the east side.
Visiting Shinn Covered Bridge
Shinn Covered Bridge is located on Township Road 91 (Shinn Road) in Palmer Township, about 1.5 miles north of County Road 18. From State Route 676, proceed on County Road 6 (Brownrigg Road), take County Road 18 (Oak Hill Road) for 2.3 miles, then turn onto Township Road 570 (Shinn Road). The bridge is about 1.2 miles down a gravel road. The peaceful setting offers excellent photography opportunities.