The purpose of an artifact, largely, is to tell a story or recall some element of past human history so that we can be reminded of and learn from history. This artifact does just that. Donated to the GCHS in 2023, this model of the old “double barrel” covered bridge that crossed Ten Mile Creek on Rt. 21 at the present location of McDonalds.
There were many covered bridges making routes over waterways throughout the countryside in years gone by. The double bridge in Morrisville, or Dotysburg, was exceptional due to its ability to carry two lanes of traffic over Ten Mile because double bridges were not common in this area. Many thousands of buggies and transports would have traveled over the covered bridge, as well as convoys of livestock and wagons of goods to be moved to various points all throughout the county.
In 1928, heavier traffic required a new bridge be built crossing Ten Mile. That year, the Veterans Memorial Bridge, or Freedom Bridge, was built alongside the old two laned covered bridge. They would stand together, side by side, crossing Ten Mile, before the covered bridge was removed. The Freedom Bridge would be the only mode of travel across Ten Mile at this point.
By 2014, the Freedom Bridge had fallen into disrepair and was no longer meeting the needs of the heightened traffic flow on Rt. 21 through Waynesburg. It was decided that a new bridge would be built to widen the road from two lanes to four lanes, allowing two lanes of traffic to move in each direction.
The new bridge was completed by October 2017. Widening the road also came with the necessity of expanding the railroad overpass that crossed over Rt. 21, as well. This new bridge and road widening project improved the flow of traffic through that once-narrow corridor.
Please keep an eye out on the GCHS Website and Facebook page for information on the upcoming Opening Day and the 2024 season so that you can check it this model for yourself!