About Teegarden-Centennial Covered Bridge
The Teegarden-Centennial Covered Bridge is one of Columbiana County's most beloved historic structures. Built in 1876, exactly 100 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, this bridge earned its "Centennial" name from its patriotic timing. The 66-foot Multiple Kingpost truss structure spans the Middle Fork of Little Beaver Creek in a beautiful woodland setting approximately four miles south of Salem, Ohio.
History of Teegarden-Centennial Covered Bridge
The construction contract was awarded to Jeremiah C. Mountz in June 1875 for $441. The stonework for the abutments was completed by David Reese, and George W. Akin was contracted to paint the structure for $30 in December 1875. The bridge was completed by February 1876. The name "Teegarden" comes from Uriah Teegarden, a local landowner who served as the first postmaster when a post office was established in the community in 1868. Columbiana County once had over 250 covered bridges, including at least 16 railroad covered bridges. The Teegarden-Centennial remains one of only five surviving covered bridges in the county and is one of only two still on its original site.
Architecture and Design
Constructed primarily of white oak, the Teegarden-Centennial Covered Bridge utilizes an eight-panel Multiple Kingpost truss design. The bridge measures 66 feet long and 12 feet wide. It was originally capable of carrying up to 2 tons of vehicular traffic. The community of Teegarden once thrived near this scenic location, with a sawmill built by Levi Blackledge in 1804, a gristmill in 1805, and later coal and iron mining operations by the B.F. Lewis Coal and Iron Company.
Visiting Teegarden-Centennial Covered Bridge
Located at 35703 Eagleton Road near Salem, Ohio, the bridge is situated beside Eagleton Glen Park, a city park. After serving traffic until 1992, the bridge was bypassed and underwent a complete $400,000 restoration in 2002-2003. Today it is part of the Greenway Bike Trail and serves as a pedestrian crossing. The Teegarden-Centennial Covered Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in August 2010. Members of Highland Christian Church historically used this location for baptisms by immersion. The nearby trail stretches for miles in each direction, making it perfect for walking, running, or biking.