Wiley Ford or Old Canal Covered Bridge

The Wiley Ford or Old Canal Covered Bridge crossed the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal on the road leading to Wiley Ford, West Virginia. Although difficult to find, Burr arches can be seen through the predominantly Town truss system.

The first bridge at this location was built as a permanent deck bridge in 1850.¹ The bridge probably deteriorated from neglect and was replaced by the covered bridge around the 1870 to 1880 era. It was still standing as late as 1900. A photograph from the Cumberland, Maryland Historical Society refers to the bridge as both Wiley Ford Bridge and Old Canal Bridge. An old photo from the George Eastman House, S. Fisher Corlies Collection taken 1882 lists the bridge as the Wiley Ford Bridge.

¹Information from Karen Gray, Hagerstown, MD, based on C&O documents.

Postcard of Wiley Ford or Old Canal Covered Bridge over C&O Canal.

UPDATED: 06/11/2013, for revised build date based on C&O Canal records and removed original information about build date being 1850 from Edwin Bearss book.

UPDATED: 12/01/2008, for build date & build date text.