Loy’s Station
A drive out to the countryside north of Frederick, Maryland on windy roads are three covered bridges. Steeped in local history, these bridges carry us from the present into the past.
Loy’s Station Covered Bridge is located at 3600 Old Frederick Road in Thurmont.
Originally built in 1848 by an unknown builder and a supportive cement pier and steel beams were added in 1929-1930.
Built to last, one thing it wasn’t prepared for was an arsonist. Determined to benefit from insurance fraud, set fire to a truck inside the bridge. What original hardware, braces and rafters were salvaged and in three years, the bridge was rebuilt.
It is thought that after the Battle of Gettysburg, General George Meade crossed this bridge while in pursuit of the Confederate Army.
Roddy Creek
Just ten minutes from the Loy’s Station Covered Bridge is the Roddy Creek Covered Bridge, at 14760 Roddy Road, Thurmont. Known as the shortest remaining covered bridge in Maryland, this bridge was built between 1850 and 1856. This bridge has survived time, with only one neglectful driver in 1992 that tried to drive through the bridge with a truck too big.
Causing damage to the roof and trusses, repairs were made, along with other structural improvements. Well used today, this bridge has whispers that perhaps Confederate General JEB Stuart and his cavalry crossed this bridge on their way to Gettysburg.
Utica Mills
The Utica Mills Covered Bridge is found on Fishing Creek on Utica Road, Utica, and was built between 1843 – 1850.
Built from salvaged materials from the Devilbliss Covered Bridge that was destroyed previously.
Moved from the Monocacy River this bridge has suffered through time and destructive bugs.
Having been restored and repaired several times, it still didn’t stop a couple of foolish drivers in thinking their great big trucks would fit through this small bridge.
These three bridges are proof that history with the strength of its community in preserving it will always persevere.
Categories: Civil War, Foot Prints, history, travel
Emily Carter ~ Nature as Art 
So quaint and picturesque – can’t help but fell the history. Your misty atmosphere helps too. 🙂
Thank you so much Lynne. Obviously the misty one was captured on another visit. I have one more covered bridge buried somewhere in my archives. One day perhaps I’ll find it. 🙂
I’m glad they repaired that bridge at Roddy Creek. The bridge makes it look like a sleepy village. 🙂
What’s interesting is that the three bridges were damaged within a two year period in 1991-1992. The surrounding communities did big fund raisers and made sure the bridges were restored according to originality. Such loving care.
The area is filled with farms and rolling hills. A beautiful area.
Your blog post makes me want to visit, that area of Thurmont Maryland.
I love these covered bridges and your photos of them!
Thanks Jerry ! I walked through one of them and wow! Talk about solidly built!
Reblogged this on Mid-Atlantic Heritage Connection and commented:
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Thank you so much for sharing this with your readers.
great post, I would love to go to thurmont sometimes.
Hi Rob, I hope you make it to Thurmont also. It’s a great area to explore.
They are very nice!
Thank you so much Bente ! You are truly too kind on these.
I love bridges! Especially the ones like these 🙂
Are there any covered bridges near you?
Unfortunately no 😦 😦
Sadly, no 😦 sigh!
What beauties these are, Emily, and you have captured them so,wonderfully.
You are so kind Lisa. The perspective was a little challenge with things like – moving cars. 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving!
superb pictures Emily, and a very interesting history. I don’t think we have any covered bridges here in the UK – which is a shame…
That really surprises me about UK and covered bridges. I’d figure they’d be all over the place. Thank you so very much. 🙂
Wonderful images! I love what emotions fog can bring out in a photo!
Thank you so much Cynthia ! I agree, I am a sucker for shooting in fog too.
I love the atmosphere created by the fog! Covered bridges are truly a wonderful part of our history. So glad to these are well taken care of!