About Thomas J. Malone Covered Bridge
The Thomas J. Malone Covered Bridge is a charming 42-foot covered bridge located in the Pioneer Village section of Beaver Creek State Park near East Liverpool, Ohio. This Multiple Kingpost truss structure now spans Gaston's Mill Stream and serves as an integral part of the park's historic village, which recreates life in early Ohio.
History of Thomas J. Malone Covered Bridge
Built in the 1870s, this bridge originally stood over Middle Run on State Route 154 between Lisbon and Elkton in Elkrun Township. In the early 1900s, it was replaced and moved intact to the Wade Huffman Farm alongside Elkton Road. When Lisbon-Elkton Road was widened in 1912, the bridge was in the way, and Mr. Huffman transferred ownership to the Elkrun Township Trustees. The trustees converted it to a storage building before eventually moving it to Pine Hollow Road. The bridge languished there until Thomas J. Malone, a covered bridge researcher, discovered the structure and recognized it as a historic covered bridge. In September 1970, the County Engineer's Department dismantled and moved the bridge to Beaver Creek State Park. Restoration was completed in 1971 by the Columbiana County Historical Society in conjunction with the Forest and Parks Council. The bridge was named in honor of Mr. Malone for his role in saving it.
Architecture and Design
The Thomas J. Malone Bridge is a 42-foot long altered Multiple Kingpost Truss structure. It is covered with dark brown stained vertical boards on the sides and portals. The deck consists of lengthwise planking and features a shingle roof. While the bridge has been modified over its various relocations, it retains the essential character of a 19th-century Ohio covered bridge and represents the craftsmanship of early bridge builders.
Visiting Thomas J. Malone Covered Bridge
The bridge is located at 12013 Echo Dell Road in Beaver Creek State Park near East Liverpool, Ohio. It is part of the Pioneer Village, which also features Gaston's Mill (a working grist mill built in 1837), a restored chapel, settler's cabin, schoolhouse, and blacksmith shop. The mill operates on certain weekends during summer, grinding corn and wheat with water power. Visitors can purchase grain ground at the mill from the trading post gift store. The park offers over 2,700 acres of forested land with hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. A historical marker at the site tells the story of both the bridge and Gaston's Mill. The "Pioneer Days" festival features arts and crafts demonstrations, apple butter making, and the grist mill in action.