Penn Valley in Nevada County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Bridgeport (Nyes Crossing) Covered Bridge
Bridgeport Historic District
October 22, 2006
1. Bridgeport (Nyes Crossing) Covered Bridge Marker
This original plaque has been updated and replaced.
Built in 1862 by David Isaac John Wood with lumber from his mill in Sierra County, this bridge was part of the Virginia Turnpike Company toll road which served the northern mines and the busy Nevada Comstock Lode. Utilizing a combination truss and arch construction, it is one of the oldest housed spans in the west and the longest single-span wood-covered bridge in the United States.
California Registered Historical Landmark No. 390
Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Nevada County Historical Society and the Wm B. Meek -- Wm M. Stewart Chapter No. 10, E Clampus Vitus, May 23, 1964.
Erected 1964 by California State Park Commission, Nevada County Historical Society, and the Wm B. Meek - Wm M. Stewart Chapter No. 10 E Clampus Vitus. (Marker Number 390.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, the Covered Bridges, and the E Clampus Vitus series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 17.519′ N, 121° 11.705′
this page online
Regionally, this marker was in California’s Sierra Nevada. It was also in the American Mountain West. Globally, it was 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 found itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Bridgeport Historic District (here, next to this marker); The Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); Convenience Comes to the South Yuba River (within shouting distance of this marker); Bridgeport Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Bridgeport Bridge (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The First Long Distance Telephone (approx. 2 miles away); Birchville (approx. 3.7 miles away); Jacob Van Blaren (approx. 3.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Penn Valley.
More about this marker. There are three markers for the bridge, two on the south end and one on the north end. See nearby markers for more information.
Regarding Bridgeport (Nyes Crossing) Covered Bridge. Bridgeport is one of only 10 covered bridges remaining in California. The bridge is in very good condition considering its age. Built in 1862, at 251 feet, it is the longest single span covered bridge in the United States.
The type of construction is unique, a Howe truss with an auxiliary Burr arch. The arch
Photographed by Marc Belanger, December 25, 2022
2. National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark
The Sugar Pine shake roofing and sides not only protect the timber from the weather, but contribute an air of historic antiquity which attracts many visitors to see and photograph it.
In 1853, the California Legislature authorized the formation of "Turnpike Companies" that would build roads and bridges and maintain and operate them as business ventures. County governments were newly formed and generally without funds to build or maintain the many roads and bridges, thus creating the need for the "Turnpike Companies". Tolls were approved by the local county Boards of Supervisors.
The Virginia Turnpike Company, organized in 1856, by David I. Wood, arranged for construction of the toll road from a point near the Anthony House (under present day Lake Wildwood), to French Corral, a distance of 10 miles. The later
Photographed by Karen Key, October 16, 2009
3. Bridgeport (Nyes Crossing) Covered Bridge Marker
The plaque, at left, was missing. At right is the civil engineering plaque.
The bridge was built under the direction of Mr. Wood. The lumber was produced by his sawmill in Forest City. The bridge was taken over by Nevada County from the Virginia Turnpike Company in 1901. From that date no further tolls were charged.
The Bridgeport Covered Bridge was acquired by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in 1986, and is now the centerpiece of the South Yuba River State Park.
The bridge is both a State and National Historic Landmark. It is truly a living memorial to the high degree of individual initiative and private enterprise which was such a driving force in 19th century California.
(Source: Nevada County Gold, The Official Online Guide to Nevada County http://www.ncgold.com/index.html)
Additional commentary.
1. Missing Plaque
The plaque for Nyes Crossing fell off of it's mounting and it currently in the possesion of the rangers office. The local chapter of ECV (the same chapter 10 that mounted the plaque in the first place) offered to remount it however the ranger in charge of the bridge has some disputes with the wording on the plaque and requested a change. Chapter 10 is unwilling to revise the history and research already performed, and
Photographed by Craig Baker
4. Bridgeport Historic District Marker
See Nearby Marker.
— Submitted March 1, 2010, by Jason A. Thorn of Penn Valley, California.
2. Replacement Plaque
In October 2014 this marker was replaced by California State Parks with a grant from the Native Sons of the Golden West Historical Preservation Foundation. It is now titled (and filed under) Bridgeport Historic District.
— Submitted October 27, 2014, by James King of San Miguel, California.
Photographed by Craig Baker
5. Bridgeport Historic District Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker
6. Bridgeport Covered Bridge
Restoration was completed in 2021.
Photographed by Craig Baker
7. Bridgeport Covered Bridge
Photographed by Craig Baker
8. Bridgeport Covered Bridge
Jet Lowe, for the Historic American Engineering Record, 1984
9. Bridgeport Covered Bridge
Photographed by Laura Bell, March 31, 2008
10. Bridgeport Covered Bridge
Photographed by Pam Muzyka Dixon, August 18, 2007
11. Old Toll Charges
Photographed by Marc Belanger, December 25, 2022
12. Bridgeport Covered Bridge ASCE Marker
National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark
Credits. This page was last revised on August 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 5,112 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 25, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 2. submitted on March 12, 2023, by Marc Belanger of Reno, Nevada. 3. submitted on October 31, 2009, by Karen Key of Sacramento, California. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on August 21, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 9, 10, 11. submitted on June 25, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 12. submitted on March 12, 2023, by Marc Belanger of Reno, Nevada.
