Eldean Covered Bridge, Troy Ohio
The Eldean Bridge is the last covered bridge in Miami County. It was built in the summer of 1860 by James and William Hamilton who had a stone quarry near Piqua. They received $1,337.68 for building the pier and abutments and $2,632,00 for the superstructure and another $75.00 later, making the total cost of the bridge $4,044.68.
The name Eldean comes from Eldean Station on the branch of the B & O Railroad that runs between Troy and Piqua. The 1875 and 1883 Miami County Atlases show the Allen and Wheelers Mills near the bridge site. As well as being the last covered bridge in Miami County and one of only four covered bridges still spanning the Great Miami River, the Eldean Bridge is the second longest covered bridge in Ohio. According to a newspaper article on the Eldean Bridge, the white pine used in its construction undoubtedly came from Michigan via the canal boats which stopped at the Eldean Lock on the Miami & Erie Canal about one-half mile from the bridge site.
In 1963, Miami County by-passed the Eldean Bridge, intending to preserve it as an historic site. There is a parking area and a picnic shelter adjacent to the bridge making it readily accessible to pedestrian traffic. The Eldean Bridge is a fine example of the Long truss which is now rather rare here in Ohio. This old bridge is also an example of Civil War era engineering skills.
Bridge Description
The Eldeam Bridge is a two-span wooden truss covered bridge spanning the Great Miami River in Concord-Staunton Townships, Miami County, Ohio. The siding is vertical, white pine and boarded almost to the eaves. The abutments and pier are of stone laid with mortar. The roof is sheet metal.
The Eldean Bridge is built on the Long truss plan patented in 1830 by Colonel Stephan H. Long of the U. S. Army Topographical Engineers. The Long truss is an all-wooden truss consisting of a series of boxed X's. The Long truss is considered to be the first bridge truss into which mathematical calculations entered, as earlier bridge trusses had been mostly a matter of guesswork. This truss is also considered to be the first panel truss. The Long truss had a brief popularity which was eclipsed in 1840 with the advent of the Howe truss. The Eldean Bridge is a 24 panel Long truss, 234' long, built in 2 spans. The truss length of each span is 111' 6", the portal to portal length is 234' 10". The width is 21' 6" overall with a 17' 7" roadway. The truss timbers are of white pine except for the floor. This flooring is unusual in that it is laid on the diagonal.
The outward appearance of the Eldean Bridge has changed little over the years. The portals are straight with a slight overhang at the entrance. These portals are painted white. The siding was painted red in 1967. Repairs have been made to the abutments. Repairs were made to the bridge in 1922 and 1936 and again in 1966.
North side, west portal of bridge showing picnic area looking southeast (1974)
West portal and south side of bridge, looking east north east (1974)
