Covered Bridge

Covered Bridge. . , In 1895, at the request of the Hancock County Commissioners, a one lane, pre-engineered Pratt through-truss Bridge made of wrought iron was fabricated, shipped by rail and wagon, and erected by the Canton (Ohio) Bridge Company to connect the fertile farmland south of the Blanchard River to the northern markets. The historic bridge was originally located where the covered bridge is today. , , As age and heavier loads crossing the river threatened the bridge, it became necessary to replace it. In 2009, the historic bridge was relocated to Riverbend Recreation Area and then replaced with a two-lane, single span timber covered bridge with metal roof, constructed by Zachrich Construction Company of Defiance, Ohio. , , Two bridges separated by 114 years of history share a common purpose and sense of place. The historic bridge is now a showcase exhibiting the lost are of wrought iron bridge craftsmanship while the covered bridge reminds us of its romantic appeal and simpler times. It's fitting then that the Blanchard River with its own marker on Ohio history has known both bridges and helped shape their character with its timeless flow.