Near Kirkwood in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

White Rock Forge Bridge (1884)

West Octoraro #2

Photographed by Carl Gordon Moore Jr., April 25, 2021

1. White Rock Forge Bridge (1884) Marker

Inscription. In 1845 citizens of Little Britain and Colerain Township petitioned for a bridge at "the road from Oak Hill to Union Meeting house.” The courts agreed that a bridge at this location was "necessary for the accommodation of the public” and the first bridge was completed in the winter of 1847 by Joseph Russell. It was swept away in June 1858 by a storm which damaged many mill properties. Heavy rains began on the night of June 25, 1884 and the Octoraro Creek became a "roaring river” higher than was ever known. The bridge at White Rock Forge described as one of the finest bridges around was quickly swept away again. Nearby citizens rallied to build a makeshift crossing by gathering timbers from the old bridge that were swept downstream. They worked together and built a substantial temporary bridge for only 47 cents, the amount paid for the nails. Elias McMellen rebuilt this bridge in the weeks that followed for $2,495.

Erected by Lancaster Bicycle Club.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. In addition, it is included in the Covered Bridges series

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1845.

Location. 39° 49.478′ N, 76° 5.404′ W. Marker is near Kirkwood, Pennsylvania, in Lancaster County. It is on White Rock Road 0.1 miles east of King Pen Road, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 248 White Rock Rd, Kirkwood PA 17536, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania, specifically in Pennsylvania Dutch Country,

and in the Susquehanna Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Drumore Township Illustrious Americans (approx. 3.3 miles away); Robert Fulton Birthplace (approx. 3.9 miles away); Hopewell Historic District (approx. 5 miles away); Jackson's Mill Bridge (1878) (approx. 5 miles

Photographed by Carl Gordon Moore Jr., April 25, 2021

2. White Rock Forge Bridge (1884) Marker

away); Oak Grove (approx. 5½ miles away); William C. Sproul (approx. 5.6 miles away); A Job on the A & S (approx. 5.8 miles away); The Atglen & Susquehanna Low Grade (approx. 5.8 miles away).

Credits. This page was last revised on May 17, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 26, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. This page has been viewed 396 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.