About Teegarden-Centennial Covered Bridge
Teegarden-Centennial Covered Bridge is a historic 66-foot covered bridge spanning the Middle Fork of Little Beaver Creek near Salem. Built in 1876, 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, it was named after Uriah Teegarden, the first postmaster of the nearby community. It is one of only two covered bridges in Columbiana County still at its original location.
History of Teegarden-Centennial Covered Bridge
The bridge was constructed in late 1875 and completed in 1876 as part of America's centennial celebration. The official contract was awarded to Jeremiah C. Mountz in June 1875 for $441. The stonework for the abutments was awarded to David Reese, and George W. Akin painted the structure for $30 in 1876. The bridge served the community of Teegarden Station, founded by Prussian immigrants in the early 1800s. Nearby were a sawmill, gristmill, post office, and coal and iron mines serving the Erie Lackawanna Railroad. The bridge remained in regular use until 1992, when it was bypassed by a concrete structure. Restoration was completed in 2003, and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in August 2010.
Architecture and Design
The bridge features an eight-panel Multiple King Post design, constructed primarily of white oak. It measures 66-67 feet in length and 12 feet in width, originally capable of carrying up to 2 tons of vehicular traffic. Members of Highland Christian Church historically used the creek below the bridge for baptisms by immersion.
Visiting Teegarden-Centennial Covered Bridge
The bridge is located on Eagleton Road beside Eagleton's Glen Park, approximately four miles south of Salem. From OH45, head northwest on Eagleton Road about 2.7 miles to the bridge. The woodland setting near the former Teegarden Mill site offers a beautiful backdrop for photography. An Ohio Historical Marker tells the story of this centennial bridge and the community it served.