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- Jan 17, 2019
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Had an fun time exploring this historicalgem literally in the middle of nowhere. The Langley covered bridge was built in 1887, and is the longest surviving covered bridge in the great state of Michigan. The bridge has had a lot of changes since it was built. It had to be raised several feet up due to a dam that was built downstream on the St. Joseph river, and it had to have steel beams put under to be able to support the over 1,700 vehicles that cross daily. They also added horizontal signs with a height warning in 2009 (which someone with a camper ran into a few weeks after they were installed, whoops!)
Today, vehicles can only go through one at a time, which makes it really interesting to watch people doing it the old fashion way by taking turns crossing on both sides. I think the best way to appreciate this kind of historical landmark is from the air. Fun fact: the reason a lot of covered bridges are red is because back in the day there wasn't any sealant to protect structures, so farmers used a combination of linseed oil (which is orange in color) and ferrous oxide, aka rust. The rust did a great job at keeping away mold and moss, and it also gave it a nice color. This is also why most barns you see out in the country are red. When paint and sealants were more available, the tradition continued.
Another fun fact: The county would pay a person to put snow through the length of the bridge so that horse pulled sleighs would be able to go through during the winter. Can you imagine how much of a pain that would be?!?
Also, if you look at the side of the bridge it looks like there is a row of windows. Those were put there so people could go fishing . Or make out. They were called kissing bridges for a reason!
View attachment bridge 2.jpgView attachment bridge 3.jpgView attachment bridge 4.jpg
Today, vehicles can only go through one at a time, which makes it really interesting to watch people doing it the old fashion way by taking turns crossing on both sides. I think the best way to appreciate this kind of historical landmark is from the air. Fun fact: the reason a lot of covered bridges are red is because back in the day there wasn't any sealant to protect structures, so farmers used a combination of linseed oil (which is orange in color) and ferrous oxide, aka rust. The rust did a great job at keeping away mold and moss, and it also gave it a nice color. This is also why most barns you see out in the country are red. When paint and sealants were more available, the tradition continued.
Another fun fact: The county would pay a person to put snow through the length of the bridge so that horse pulled sleighs would be able to go through during the winter. Can you imagine how much of a pain that would be?!?
Also, if you look at the side of the bridge it looks like there is a row of windows. Those were put there so people could go fishing . Or make out. They were called kissing bridges for a reason!
View attachment bridge 2.jpgView attachment bridge 3.jpgView attachment bridge 4.jpg
