Near Orland in Vinton County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Cox Covered Bridge
The Bridges of Vinton County
The Cox Covered Bridge was built in 1884 by the Diltz and Steel Company and uses a variation of the Vinton County Queenpost truss system. In late August 1992, workers from the Vinton County Engineer's office used an innovative method to move the Cox Covered Bridge 20 feet north onto new concrete foundations. The ends of the bridge were jacked up and metal runners were placed under them. Strips of plywood were laid down along both banks of the creek, nailed together, and liberally coated with grease. Steel cables were fastened to the runners under the ends of the bridge and attached to front loaders which pulled the bridge onto its new site. Today, the Cox Covered Bridge provides a pleasant place to picnic, enjoy Vinton County's scenic beauty, and reflect on “days gone by.”
The Bridges of Vinton County
More than 60 covered bridges once carried the people of Vinton County over the county's scenic streams and rivers. Although these bridges were marvels of engineering, only five covered bridges survive today. The Arbaugh, Bay, Cox, Mt. Olive, and Ponn covered bridges are treasured links to Vinton County's historic past.
Why Covered?
Covered bridges were built using trusses, frameworks of beams usually connected in a series of triangles. Although there were several designs to choose from, companies building bridges in Vinton County favored variations of the Kingpost and Queenpost. The roofs of covered bridges protected these important trusses from the weather, keeping the bridges safe for generations to come.
Kissing Bridges?
Although built for a very utilitarian use, covered bridges fulfilled another important function for horse and buggy America. The dark interiors of “kissing bridges” proved ideal for what a later generation would term “spooning.” They were also called “wishing bridges” for everyone knows that a wish made in a covered bridge comes true!
Make A Difference Day 2004
Make A Difference Day is the largest single day of volunteering in America - a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. On October 23, Make A Difference Day 2004, the people of Vinton County came together to repair and renew the Cox Covered Bridge. The Cox Covered Bridge Preservation Project was made possible through a grant by the Ohio's Hill Country Heritage Area and the Ohio Governor's Office of Appalachia. Vinton County Partners included: the Vinton County Convention and Visitors' Bureau, Vinton County Chamber of Commerce, Vinton County Board of Commissioners' Development Department, and Sojouners Care Network.
Erected 2004 by Make a Difference Day Ohio and Others.
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 month for this entry is October 1832.
Location. 39° 21.948′ N, 82° 27.631′ W. Marker is near Orland, Ohio, in Vinton County. Marker is on Woodgeard Road (County Road 20), on the right when traveling west. Bridge and marker are about 200 feet west of the intersection of Woodgeard Road with Ohio Route 93. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Creola OH 45622, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Lockheed T33 Shooting Star (approx. 2.9 miles away); Creola (approx. 3˝ miles away); Ash Cave Trail (approx. 5 miles away); Cedar Falls (approx. 5 miles away); Ash Cave (approx. 5.1 miles away); Cedar Falls Bent Bridge (approx. 5.1 miles away); Whispering Cave (approx. 6.3 miles away); Old Man’s Cave (approx. 6.4 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. Covered Bridge Truss Types. (Submitted on January 16, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Cox Covered Bridge. (Submitted on February 13, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,148 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 16, 2010, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 7, 8. submitted on January 22, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.