How is the Wrightsville bridge connected to the Civil War?
WRIGHTSVILLE, Pa. — The structure was one of the world’s longest covered bridges until it was burned 149 years ago. The Confederate Army was trying to cross the Susquehanna River, but the people of Columbia and Wrightsville covered it in oil and set the bridge on fire, stopping the Confederate advance.
How old is the Columbia Wrightsville bridge?
92Veterans Memorial Bridge / Age (c. 1930)
How long did it take to build the Wrightsville bridge?
The longest concrete arch bridge ever constructed is believed to be the Columbia-Wrightsville bridge, constructed in 1897 and built in only twenty-one days; considered the fastest bridge building job in the world at the time. It consists of eight steel arches, each 185 feet long.
When was the Columbia Wrightsville bridge built?
1929Veterans Memorial Bridge / Construction started
When did Wrightsville Bridge burn?
It was considered the longest covered bridge in the world at the time. The bridge accommodated east–west traffic across the Susquehanna River for 14 years before being destroyed by ice, high water and severe weather on February 5, 1832.
Where is the Columbia Wrightsville Bridge?
WrightsvilleVeterans Memorial Bridge / Location
How many miles is the Wrightsville Bridge?
6,657′Veterans Memorial Bridge / Total length
When was the Wrightsville bridge burned down?
June 28, 1863
The burning of the Wrightsville Bridge over the Susquehanna River on June 28, 1863, counts as one of the most iconic moments of the Gettysburg Campaign. Retreating militia units burned the railroad span in a desperate bid to halt the advance of Confederate forces.
What was the significance of the Battle of Wrightsville Bridge?
A 15-minute skirmish at Wrightsville Bridge had a lasting impact on the Battle of Gettysburg and, by extension, the entire American Civil War. The citizens of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, awoke one morning in late June 1863 to find the Civil War literally at their doorsteps.
Why did the Confederates burn the bridge?
The Federals decided to retreat to Columbia and blow up a section of the over mile-long bridge behind them, denying the Rebels access to Lancaster. The explosion failed to destroy the bridge, so the order to burn it was given. As the Confederates surged forward, the bridge erupted in flames. Gordon’s men worked for hours to extinguish the blaze.
What happened in the Battle of Harrisburg in 1863?
By late June 1863, the Confederate Army had invaded Pennsylvania. After capturing York, the Rebels planned to take the state capital, Harrisburg, and possibly Philadelphia. To get there, they would need to cross the Susquehanna River at Wrightsville.
Why did the Federals decide to burn the Battle of Lancaster?
The Federals decided to retreat to Columbia and blow up a section of the over mile-long bridge behind them, denying the Rebels access to Lancaster. The explosion failed to destroy the bridge, so the order to burn it was given.