Philippi in Barbour County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

The Covered Bridge

Photographed by Craig Swain, July 24, 2010

1. The Covered Bridge Marker

Inscription. The Philippi Covered Bridge across Tygart Valley River was built in 1852 by Lemuel Chenoweth of Beverly. Made of wood, with the exception of the iron bolts used to hold the segments together, it is an example of the best in covered bridge architecture and design. It was used by armies of the North and South in the Civil War. In 1934 the bridge was strengthened to permit modern traffic and is today a part of U.S. 250.

Erected 1963 by West Virginia Historic Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Covered Bridges, and the West Virginia Archives and History series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.

Location. 39° 9.181′ N, 80° 2.557′ W. Marker is in Philippi, West Virginia, in Barbour County. It is on Main Street (U.S. 250), on the right when traveling east. Located at the abutment of the bridge, next to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Philippi WV 26416, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Central West Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: "Ruinous Effect of War" (a few steps from this marker); Barbour County Vietnam Era Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Philippi Mummies

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(within shouting distance of this marker); In Memory of the Sago Miners (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Philippi Covered Bridge (about 400 feet away); First Battle of a Long War (about 400 feet away); Confederate Regimental Flag (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Philippi (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Philippi.

Other markers no longer nearby. Philippi (was a few steps from this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it); Battle of Philippi (was about 400 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. It is about another West Virginia covered bridge built by Lemuel Chenoweth. This one is further north just off US 250 in Barrackville.

Also see . . .
1. West Virginia Department of Transportation Entry. “According to legend, Lemuel Chenoweth had convinced members of the Virginia Legislature to award him the contract to build the Tygart Valley River span by placing

The Covered Bridge and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 22, 2014

2. The Covered Bridge and Marker

a wooden model of his masterpiece between two chairs and standing on it.” (Submitted on June 23, 2014.)

2. Philippi Covered Bridge - National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form.

The wooden, two-lane covered bridge, crossing the Tygart's Valley River, at Philippi, Barbour County, West Virginia was built in 1852. It is one of only six remaining two-lane covered bridges in the United States. It is the only wooden bridge to accommodate busy federal highway traffic, U. S. 250, The bridge was constructed in 1851-52 to facilitate the 1848 Beverly and Fairmont Road, which had been built to stimulate the use of the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike, an important link with Richmond and Norfolk. The Beverly and Fairmont Road ended at Fairmont on the Monongahela River, a terminal on the new Baltimore and Onio Railroad.

(Submitted on February 25, 2026, by Pete Skillman of Townsend, Delaware.)

Entrance to the Covered Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, July 24, 2010

3. Entrance to the Covered Bridge

Windshield View Inside the Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 22, 2014

4. Windshield View Inside the Bridge

The Philippi Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, July 24, 2010

5. The Philippi Bridge

The Covered Bridge and the 1911 Former B&O Railroad Station image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 22, 2014

6. The Covered Bridge and the 1911 Former B&O Railroad Station

Model of the Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, July 24, 2010

7. Model of the Bridge

This model in the nearby museum shows the inner structure of the bridge.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,691 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 27, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on June 23, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on July 27, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on June 23, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5. submitted on July 27, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 6. submitted on June 23, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 7. submitted on July 27, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.