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.

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