Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge

Gilpin's Falls Covered Bridge in Bay View near North East, Maryland, spans North East Creek beside the millpond formed by Samuel Gilpin's mills and dam. Built in 1860–61 by Cecil County bridgewright Joseph George Johnson, this Burr arch through truss bridge was closely tied to the local milling landscape. Its construction is notable for careful timber use, including eastern white pine framing and tapered tulip poplar rafters intended to reduce weight. Later heavier floor beams caused distortion, and after decline, a 1958 roof collapse prompted restoration. Further rehabilitation in 2010 helped preserve this rare surviving example of 19th-century Maryland bridge craftsmanship.

North East, Maryland · United States