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The most famous of the remaining West Virginia covered bridges is the one in Philippi. At the time of its construction in 1852, the Philippi Covered Bridge was the largest covered bridge ever built. Designed by Lemuel Chenoweth of Beverly, the 285-foot bridge is considered an engineering masterpiece.

During the Civil War, Union and Confederate Generals recognized the strategic importance of this bridge located on the north-south Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike and its proximity to the B&O Railroad junction at Grafton. On June 3, 1861, Colonel B.F. Kelley's Union troops led a surprise early morning attack on Confederate troops commanded by Colonel G.A. Porterfield. Equipped with firearms but little ammunition, the Confederates had no choice but to retreat. Union troops took command of the bridge and used it as a barracks. The short battle strengthened the Union position in western Virginia and discouraged secessionist movement.

In 1989 the bridge suffered severe damage caused by fire and a two-year historical restoration project was begun by local preservationists. Under the direction of bridge historian and WVU professor Emory Kemp, the bridge was restored to its Civil War appearance, except for the 1934 reinforced concrete deck and the addition of lighting, sprinklers and smoke detectors. The historic Philippi Covered Bridge was reopened to traffic on September 16, 1991.

Today the bridge, on US Route 250 at Philippi, is recognized as a National Historical Landmark and is the nation's only two-lane covered bridge still serving a federal highway.

Text © 1999 Dianne Harrah, Drawing © 1999 Bill Harrah