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Roberts - Ohio
The Robert’s Bridge was built in 1829 and is Ohio's oldest covered bridge. It is one of six double-barreled or dual wagon-way bridges (five are historic) still remaining in the United States. The Roberts Bridge is the oldest of these and is the second oldest covered bridge of any type in the nation.
Built just over a quarter-century after settlement began in the area, the Roberts Bridge is among the earliest non-domestic structures standing in Preble County.
Having obtained a contract from the U.S. government, Orlistus Roberts began building a covered bridge about two and one-half miles south of the village of Eaton. With the help of his apprentice, James Campbell, Roberts built the bridge of local poplar, beech, and oak resting it on abutments of limestone quarried from nearby Rocky Run. All bolts, nuts, and nails were hand-forged by the builders. Unfortunately, Roberts died before the completion of the bridge that bears his name and it was finished by James Campbell.
For nearly 160 years, Roberts Bridge was in use at its original location. In 1962, the bridge was restored and in 1974, important structural repairs were made. By the 1980's nearly all of the protective structure and some framing were no longer original. However, the actual load-bearing bridge was intact. On August 5, 1986, the bridge was vandalized and heavily damaged by fire. On the day following the fire, a group of concerned citizens joined in their resolve to restore Roberts Bridge. Relocation of the bridge to a more accessible and secure site was considered necessary. The site in Eaton was prepared and plans were made for moving the trusses. The move took place on September 20, 1990.