Oregon Covered Bridges from above: Sweet Home area

Описание: #7 of 10 videos shot in 4K of Oregon's covered bridges. This beautiful aerial/drone video features 5 bridges in and near Sweet Home, Oregon: Crawfordsville, Dahlenburg, Weddle, Joel Whittemore, and Short bridges.

Go to    / @oregoncoveredbridgesfromab548   to see the other 9 videos of the Oregon Covered Bridges from Above.

Timeline:
0:00 Intro & Map
0:21 Crawfordsville Bridge (west side of Crawfordsville)
1:05 Dahlenburg Bridge (in Sankey Park in Sweet Home)
1:33 Weddle Bridge (in Sankey Park in Sweet Home)
2:22 Joel Whittemore Bridge (NW side of Sweet Home)
2:44 Short Bridge (15 miles east of Sweet Home)
3:35 Map

My decision to find and create aerial videos of all of Oregon's beautiful and historic covered bridges was catalyzed following the devastating Beachie Creek, Holiday Farm, and Archie Creek wildfires of 2020 which destroyed 500,000 acres of beautiful forests. Fortunately, no covered bridges were destroyed thanks to heroic firefighter efforts -- despite the wildfires burning within 200 feet of at least two covered bridges (shown in this video).

Covered Bridges are not unique to Oregon. In fact, Pennsylvania and Vermont have many more. But, originally, there were more than 500 bridges built in Oregon (most before and during the Great Depression). Sadly, most failed to survive the 20th century. Usually publicly funded, each covered bridge cost less than $20,000 in those early days. Covering them yielded two benefits: 1) Protect the Fir beams and structure from the damp, rainy elements; and 2) reduce the icy buildup on the bridges in winter months.

While covering the bridges doubled their lifespan, nearly all 57 remaining covered bridges of Oregon have been refurbished, updated, or completely replaced. And several have been dismantled and rebuilt in different locations. Most were designed for car and foot travel. However at least two were built for trains or cattle.

The structures and supports are engineering marvels -- for their time -- and show a beautiful simplicity, while taking advantage of the strong, straight supportive quality of Douglas Fir lumber. Most were designed with windows for better daytime visibility and/or to see approaching traffic.

Many of the covered bridges denote locations that once thrived but today are rural and less-visited. Each one has a story and provides a tangible glimpse into Oregon's past. Seeking them out provides the visitor with a beautiful drive through some of Oregon's most memorable locales. Whether 22 or 132 years old, these bridges are a joy to visit in all seasons of the year. A great family outing!