Shaeffer Campbell Covered Bridge

Ohio

Built 1891
Total Length 68'
Status Active - Pedestrian

The Shaeffer Campbell Covered Bridge, built in 1891 in Fairfield County, now carries a pedestrian path over College Pond in St. Clairsville, Ohio.

The bridge was originally located in Fairfield County, south of Amanda, where it crossed Clear Creek. 1 It was built in 1891 in the multiple Kingpost truss style. Fairfield County contains many examples of this design, several built by James W. Buchanan, a Fairfield County native and noted covered bridge builder credited with constructing the Shaeffer Campbell Bridge. 1 3

The bridge was damaged in 1973 when a farm tractor fell through its floor. It was donated to Belmont County in 1975. 1 At the time, Belmont County had no surviving covered bridges; its last covered bridge, which crossed Captina Creek, had collapsed in 1953 under the weight of a coal truck. 2

After its donation, the bridge was dismantled and moved to a county garage in Lloydsville, where it was reassembled and reconditioned. In 1975, it was placed over College Pond at the Ohio University Belmont Campus in St. Clairsville and was dedicated by Belmont County Engineer R.J. Boccabella. 2 3 The railings on the bridge approaches were designed to resemble those at the home of American writer Mark Twain.

Dimensions & Classification

Structural FormThrough Truss — Kingpost
Primary MaterialTimber
Total Length68'
BuildersJames W. Buchanan

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References for this location, in MLA format.

  1. “Shaeffer/Campbell Covered Bridge.” Grave Addiction, ↗
  2. “The Bridges of Belmont County.” Visit Belmont County, ↗