Toledo in Lincoln County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
Chitwood Bridge 1893
Oregon History
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, July 2023
1. Chitwood Bridge Marker
Donated labor of local residents and Lincoln County funds of $300 provided for the first bridge across the Yaquina River at this site, June 1893, to give access to the Corvallis and Eastern Railroad station. In 1904 Lafe Pepin built the second one, which was also uncovered and supported on vertical timbers, all of which were subject to decay in rainy periods. During 1926, Otis Hamar contracted for the third at $4000. Cement piers were poured for the 46' Howe Truss span with approaches of 33' each. The framework, with flared sides, was fir board and batten covered with ventilation openings up under each eave of a shake roof. Above each arched portal is a "Chitwood" sign which was saved from the old Southern Pacific depot removed in 1940. After 57 years of service, this structure was renovated by John Gilliland with installation of new material in needle beams, lower chord pieces, approaches, frame and its cedar covering.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. In addition, it is included in the Covered Bridges series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1893.
Location. 44° 39.263′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is on the American Pacific Coast, in the Pacific Northwest, and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, on the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, July 2023
2. Chitwood Bridge Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 12, 2025, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 70 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 12, 2025, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
