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Covered bridges are slowly disappearing and experts

agree that at lest ten are demolished or destroyed by

floods every year. In Santa Cruz County, where the

most number of covered bridges still stand, it has

become part of the landscape and great efforts are

being taken to preserve them.

Though the exact number is actually just three (3),

they are stilled considered very important because

they all date back to the 1800s. According to records,

at one time there were more than a thousand covered

bridges all over the western states of the US, and

now, because of rapid commercialization and

development of new construction materials, covered

bridges are slowly disappearing.

The three remaining in Santa Cruz have gained

considerable popularity and historical significance

and therefore cannot be easily discarded. They have

come under the protection of the law and are

considered to be historical places fit for

preservation. The efforts of the counties to preserve

covered bridges for future generations to enjoy are

starting to pay off as more and more are being added

to the registry of historic places every year. To

maintain its historical integrity, renovation and

refurbishment projects are done using the same

materials and techniques employed during the time they

were built.

Covered bridges still have very practical purposes

these days. The walls and roofs on them can still

provide protection from extreme weather conditions

during winters and summers. Back in the early years of

covered bridges, they are usually used for a lot of

reasons; from sheltering weary travelers stuck because

of bad weather, to looking like barns to make the

crossing livestock more comfortable. These days the

same roofs and walls serve a more aesthetic purpose,

basically to add more personality to covered bridges

and make it seem more romantic.

In the past ten years, most of the covered bridges in

America were moved to private estates and gardens

where they used to create a more romantic feel, bigger

ones though are left where they stand since there are

moves to block the relocation of the more historic

ones. Covered bridges in private properties and

colleges ironically have more chances in surviving

because of the protection the local security provides.

Old ones in more rural wares are more susceptible to

vandalism and arson. Though protected by the

government, some historic covered bridges are located

so far from the towns that watching over them is

really difficult.

Covered bridges also represent the rustic charm of

small-town America. It triggers within most people a

romantic picture filled with sentimentality. There was

even a time when they were called “kissing bridges”

because it was a place where secret lovers could meet

to steal kisses from each other.

They are also being used for inspiration by

photographers to take the effort in locating them all

over America. Covered bridges also look really good

when photograph during autumn. The colored leaves and

the wooden bridge are so reminiscent of the covers of

love story books back in the 80’s. They are truly

special relics of early America that should be

preserved and maintained for the rich history they

represent.

Thanks to the awareness brought about by hobbyist and

historic preservationist, people are now more aware of

the beauty that these bridges posses. They remind

America of a time when life was simple and progress

took on a slow but steady pace. They are also symbols

of the ingenuity of the American carpenters and

engineers who first thought of covering bridges to

extend its lifespan. They are truly a part of American

history and should be preserved for America’s future

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