From the rolling hills of Pennsylvania to the river valleys of Oregon, from the winding roads of Vermont to the scenic countryside of Indiana, covered bridges have become timeless symbols of America’s rural past. Built during the 19th and early 20th centuries, these wooden spans were once a vital part of everyday travel—linking farms, towns, and communities across the country.

While Pennsylvania may boast the largest number of surviving covered bridges, every state that once relied on them has its own stories to tell. Each bridge reflects not only the skill of its builders but also the culture, resources, and needs of the communities they served. Some are simple Kingpost spans crossing small creeks, while others are grand Burr Arch or Howe trusses stretching across wide rivers.

Today, more than just transportation relics, these bridges stand as living pieces of history. They are preserved, photographed, and celebrated at local festivals, inviting us to step back in time and appreciate the ingenuity and beauty of early American craftsmanship.

On this page, we’ll explore historic covered bridges across the United States and beyond, uncovering their stories, the unique truss styles that made them possible, and the efforts communities continue to make to preserve them for future generations.