One of the best sources of basic information about covered bridges is the "World Guide to Covered Bridges", as published by the National Society for the Preservation of Covered Bridges. The latest edition is 1989, and the rumor mill says that a new edition is in the works.

I have entered the information in an Excel spreadsheet that allows me to play some games divining trivial information about CBs. Some of the tidbits include:

• There is at least 1 CB in 31 states
• PA has the most (224 by their count in 1989), with Ohio next (140), then Vermont (100), Indiana (93), and New Hampshire (57)
• 85% are located in states above the Mason-Dixon line
• There are over 20 named types of extant CBs
• The Burr Arch is the most prevalent (224) and the longest single span (222 ft)
• There are CBs in Franklin County within 7 different states
• Parke County, IL is home to 35 CBs

It goes on and on - hope this sparks some curiosity.

If you share other similar tidbits, they'll be added to the page for others to enjoy. Send them to Email - phil at philsbridges.com