Cuppetts Covered Bridge in New Paris PA

The Cuppett's Covered Bridge, built by Cuppett brothers William & Phillip on September 14, 1882, is a historic wooden covered bridge located in Napier Township, Bedford County, Pennsylvania. A privately owned treasured member of the Cuppett family from the day it was built...the bridge contract was let on April 7, 1882 taking only 5 months to build at a total cost of $780. John Wayde did the masonry work and Jeremiah Thompson did the woodwork. Crossing Dunnings Creek, the 70-foot-long bridge is a very unique & tasteful design with unusually low arches and low side walls which show off the patented Burr Arch Truss system. The Cuppett family takes great pride in their bridge decorating it for many different holiday occasions. Talking to many of the tourists who visit the bridge reveals that it is one of the finest & most well-cared-for of the 14 historic covered bridges in Bedford County. The Cuppett's Covered Bridge was listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1980 by the United States Department of the Interior.^[1]

These photographs were taken in 2007. At that time, I drove past the bridge often, though I have not been buy it in a few years.

It is no longer in use.

It was unpainted at the time and in good shape still cared for by the Cuppetts family who took on some renovations in 2016. The Cuppetts would even decorate it for Christmas and used it for a family reunion.

The Cuppetts Covered Bridge, located in New Paris, Pennsylvania, is a historic covered bridge that spans the Little Juniata River. It was built in 1876 and is one of the few remaining covered bridges in the state of Pennsylvania. The bridge was named after the Cuppett family, who were prominent landowners in the area.

The Cuppetts Covered Bridge is a unique example of the Burr Arch Truss design, a type of wooden bridge that uses a combination of arches and trusses to support the weight of the bridge and its traffic. The bridge is covered with a roof and siding to protect it from the elements and extend its lifespan. The bridge is 90 feet long and 15 feet wide, making it one of the larger covered bridges in the state of Pennsylvania.

The Cuppetts Covered Bridge has a rich history and has played a vital role in the development of New Paris and the surrounding area. It was originally built to provide a means of crossing the river and connecting the nearby farms and homes to the rest of the region. The bridge was also used by horse-drawn carriages and later, by automobiles. The bridge served as a crucial transportation route for many years until it was eventually closed to vehicle traffic and became a pedestrian-only bridge.

Today, the Cuppetts Covered Bridge is a popular tourist attraction and a favorite spot for photographers. The bridge has been beautifully restored and is now open to visitors who want to experience a piece of history. The bridge is surrounded by a beautiful park and picnic area, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing day trip. Visitors can take a stroll across the bridge and admire the beautiful scenery, including the river and the surrounding forests.

In conclusion, the Cuppetts Covered Bridge is a historic landmark that has stood the test of time. The bridge is a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the builders of the past, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our heritage for future generations to enjoy. If you're in the New Paris area, be sure to visit this beautiful covered bridge and take a step back in time.