Penn Valley in Nevada County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Bridgeport Bridge
Photographed by Craig Baker
1. Bridgeport Bridge Marker
This covered bridge across the South Fork of the Yuba River at Bridgeport, Nevada Co., Calif. was built by David I. Wood in 1862 with lumber from his mill in Plum Valley, Sierra Co., Calif.
Erected by Columbia Parlor No. 70 N.D.G.W. French Corral Calif. October 17, 1948.
Erected 1948 by Native Daughters of the Golden West.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. In addition, it is included in the Covered Bridges, and the Native Sons/Daughters of the Golden West series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location. 39° 17.588′ N, 121° 11.697′ W. Marker is in Penn Valley, California, in Nevada County. It can be reached from Pleasant Valley Road 7½ miles north of California Route 20, on the left when traveling north. Located at the South Yuba River State Park Visitor Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 17660 Pleasant Valley Rd, Penn Valley CA 95946, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada. It is also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Bridgeport Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); The Barn (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bridgeport Historic District (about 400 feet away); Convenience Comes to the South Yuba River
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. Bridgeport (Nyes Crossing) Covered Bridge (was about 400 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. There are three markers for the bridge, this one on the north end and two others on the south end. See nearby markers for more information.
Regarding Bridgeport Bridge. Bridgeport was an important point on the Virginia Turnpike, connecting the agricultural town of Marysville in Californias Central Valley to the gold mines of Virginia City, Nevada. Miners and their supplies were carted eastwards up into the mountains, and the gold was sent back the other direction. The covered bridge had a toll until 1901, after which it was taken over by Nevada County and made free of charge. The California Department of Parks and Recreation acquired the bridge
Photographed by Craig Baker
2. Bridgeport Bridge Marker
There is some question as to whether the Bridgeport covered bridge, at a claimed length of 251 feet, is truly the longest single span covered bridge in existence, as the same claim has been put forth for the Old Blenheim Bridge in New York State. While the Bridgeport covered bridge's total length is longer, it is somewhat shorter when measuring the length it actually clears (i.e., the clear span).
Also see . . . The California Department of Parks and Recreation's webpage for South Yuba River State Park. (Submitted on June 24, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.)
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 29, 2008
3. Bridgeport Bridge Marker
Photographed by Pam Muzyka Dixon, August 18, 2007
4. Bridgeport Bridge Marker
The marker can be seen at the far end of the bridge.
Photographed by Craig Baker
5. Bridgeport Bridge Marker
The marker can be seen at the far end of the bridge.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 29, 2008
6. Bridgeport Covered Bridge
Photographed by Craig Baker
7. Bridgeport Covered Bridge
Restoration was completed in 2021.
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, March 29, 2008
8. South Yuba River
Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 2,420 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 22, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on June 24, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 4. submitted on June 25, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 5. submitted on August 22, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 6. submitted on June 24, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. 7. submitted on August 21, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 8. submitted on June 24, 2008, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
