One of the perks to my job is getting to see this historic bridge almost every day and today ( Nov 1st) I got to celebrate my 51st birthday with the 175th birthday of the settlement of the community of Philippi and the covered bridge.
The Covered Bridge in Phillippi West Virginia is one of the last two-lane covered bridge in the U.S. and the only one that has a state highway passing through the double arches. Making the bridge an icon for the town of Philippi, West Virginia and the location of the first land battle of the civil war.
Historical Marker and pedestrian walkway at the Philippi Covered Bridge.
The original bridge was built in 1852 by a local builder Lemuel Chenoweth from Randolph County, West Virginia. The Philippi bridge stood for 137 years before being accidentally caught on fire in 1989 and burning the bridge to complete destruction.
The closed Philippi Covered Bridge after the fire. image from the Appalachian Blacksmiths website
The bridge we see today was rebuilt to the same standards as the original two years later and reopened to the public. The new bridge does include two new features, not included in the original plans, a sprinkler system in the bridge and a pedestrian walkway outside of the bridge. Making the walkway a nice place to see the bridge, the river, and downtown from above the water in the Tygart River.
View of the Tygart River looking at the Philippi Covered Bridge 2018
Since I enjoy taking photos of the bridge so much, over the years I have invited several friends and family members to join me in enjoying the bridge and downtown Philippi. Yet, this day I walked alone in the icy air to the bridge to share in the birthday celebrations with State Officials, County Representatives, and City Employees. Hundreds of cupcakes and cookies were shared with the community.
Barbour County, West Virginia, Philippi Covered Bridge
On this cold afternoon, our community was lucky to have Senator Shelly Moore Capito come from Charleston to speak to guests and remind us that Philippi is a strong resilient town and that even a flood and fire have not stopped us from creating a friendly, thriving, educated community. Several other representatives from congress and the city spoke to guests on the future of Philippi and their deep love for the place they call home. It was such a pleasure to be part of the celebration of 175 years of this community and its bridge.
Senator Shelly Moore Capito speaking at the Veterans Park next to the Philippi Covered Bridge.
City Manager Jerry Drennon speaking alongside the City Council and Philippi West Virginia Mayor.
With my hands full of cupcakes, I walked back across the river on the walkway to my office on the main street. Thinking about how thankful I am to be working in and for this community. The City of Philippi and I not only shared our birthdays together, but we are also partners in making this small community better for everyone who lives, works or attends college here on the banks of the Tygart River. I am not sure there is a better way to enjoy my birthday than to share a cupcake with a friend and think about the story of this town and how I can be part of it for another year.
West Virginia Mountain Mama 
Happy birthday to you and the bridge! I’m glad they rebuilt it close to the original design.
LikeLike