Our state is filled with historic and unique architectural wonders, like the many covered bridges in Virginia. One of the most understated, yet undeniably beautiful, examples is the Humpback Covered Bridge, outside of Covington. Built in 1857, this bridge is the oldest of its kind remaining in Virginia. The covered bridge is open to pedestrians and should you find yourself in the area, makes for a fascinating day trip. Here's a bit more on the history of one of the best covered bridges in Virginia:
It's hard to pinpoint exactly what it is that makes covered bridges so extraordinary. The architecture is rather simple but harkens back to a simpler time.
Covered bridges were a trend in the early 1800s when it was discovered that adding a covering to a bridge would help ensure a longer lifespan. Before this development, bridges had a typical lifespan of just 10 years.
Throughout the 19th century, covered bridges were fondly referred to as "kissing bridges." Folks passing through on horse and buggy would have a few seconds to steal a kiss in the privacy of the bridge.
When the Humpback Bridge was built in 1857, engineers used yet another tactic to ensure durability. The middle of the bridge is slightly higher than both ends, allowing for a curved shape that would protect against flooding.
In fact, there are no other remaining bridges in the U.S. with this unique curved structure. The bridge has been reinforced several times throughout its lifespan, yet in all other regards has truly stood the test of time.
Explore the history of the Humpback Covered Bridge:
advertisement
Have you seen the Humpback Bridge or any other covered bridges in Virginia before? If so, share your experience with us in the comments. While you're in the area, do a bit of trail hiking at Lake Moomaw in Virginia.
Most Virginians are familiar with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, a stunning complex that goes both over and under the open seas, connecting Delmarva and Hampton Roads. But, what many don't realize is that it's actually the longest of its kind in the entire world. That's right; there are a handful of other bridge tunnels throughout the planet, but none are as long as the one you'll find here in Virginia. Here's more on why the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel in Virginia is a marvelous feat of engineering.
advertisement
Anyone who has traversed the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel never forgets the experience. This 17.6-mile structure takes drivers on an epic journey across the Chesapeake Bay.
The website states that building the complex meant "undertaking a project of more than 12 miles of low-level trestle, two 1-mile tunnels, two bridges, almost 2 miles of causeway, four manmade islands and 5-1/2 miles of approach roads, totaling 23 miles."
Upon opening, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel was declared One of the Seven Engineering Wonders of the Modern World. And it's no mystery why!
Along the route, the water varies from 25 feet to 100 feet deep. For those interested in getting out to explore the scenery, there's a scenic overview along the way.
In fact, it's a popular stop for migrating birds on their route north in the spring or south in the late fall. If you're a birding enthusiast, prepare to be impressed!
So whether you need to get across the Chesapeake Bay or you're simply looking for an epic day trip, you'll be glad you took the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
Have you ever driven the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel in Virginia? What did you think? Be sure to share your thoughts with us in the comments -- we'd love to hear all about your adventures! This amazing road can also be the start of a lovely day trip in Virginia:
The Freemasons have always been a bit of a fascinating mystery to me, and when I discovered the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, I immediately knew I needed to visit for myself. Located just outside downtown Alexandria, Virginia (one of our favorite small towns in Virginia, for the record), this underrated gem is definitely worth visiting for history buffs, architectural enthusiasts, and fans of stellar aerial views.
advertisement
Included in the $20 admission cost is an hour-long guided tour where we learned all about the history of the Freemasons. While the building is truly unique, I wouldn’t visit without a guided tour.
While nationally organized Freemasonry began in 1717 with the founding of the Grand Lodge in England, Freemason societies have existed for much longer. Many theorize that Freemasonry emerged from the stonemasonry guilds of the Middle Ages.
Today, freemasonry is a brotherhood committed to lives of character, honor, and integrity. They strive to become the best versions of themselves while caring for their communities through charitable giving and volunteer efforts. In all honesty, it is a much more boring answer than expected, but interesting nonetheless.
The building itself, however, was incredibly impressive. As soon as we opened the door to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, we found ourselves inside Memorial Hall.
Featuring eight green granite columns 40 feet tall and more than four feet wide, as well as an exquisite marble floor and two grand murals on either side, the hall was truly jaw-dropping. At the center was a colossal statue of George Washington wearing his Masonic regalia.
Inspired by the lighthouse of Alexandria, Egypt – one of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World – the memorial’s design is reminiscent of the classical architecture in Greece and Rome.
The memorial was added to the United State’s official list of National Historic Landmarks and the National Register of Historic Places on August 4, 20215 – the 262nd anniversary of George Washington’s raising as a Master Mason in Fredericksburg in 1753.
Once our tour began, we were given a brief introduction to the history of freemasonry as well as George Washington’s involvement before heading into the Replica Lodge Room of Alexandria-Washington Lodge No. 22, which mimics the old meeting room that existed on the second floor of the City Hall for more than 140 years.
In addition to replica lodge furniture and fascinating masonic artifacts is a famous portrait of George Washington painted by William Joseph Williams, said to be one of the most accurate depictions of Washington in existence.
advertisement
From there, we headed upstairs, where we discovered The Family of Freemasonry Exhibit on the third level and the George Washington Museum on the fourth level.
Here, we learned about the unique organizations that are a part of the Freemason umbrella – including the Shriners – as well as the personal history of George Washington and several artifacts from Mount Vernon donated by Washington’s descendants, plus information on the memorial's architecture.
Last up was the ninth-floor Observation Deck, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Alexandra, D.C., the Chesapeake Bay, and the surrounding region.
There’s little I love more than a picturesque view, and the outdoor observation deck certainly provided endless views – I loved that you could see all of Alexandria and several D.C. monuments, including the Washington Monument.
I could have spent hours admiring the view, but unfortunately, our official tour had ended, and we needed to return to the first floor.
After the official tour, we meandered through the building by ourselves, exploring various meeting rooms, an exhibit on the origins of freemasonry, and the theater.
As a self-proclaimed theater kid, the grand theater was easily my favorite room in the building, with seating for 400 and sixteen gold-veined Missouri marble columns as well as 14 bronze plaques depicting the United States Presidents that were Freemasons – I personally had no idea how many influential politicians were Freemasons.
advertisement
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the George Washington Masonic National Memorial website. Have you ever experienced this unique architectural gem for yourself? Do you have an interest in visiting yourself? Did you have preconceived notions about Freemasonry in America?
