Gilpin's Falls Bridge

Gilpin's Falls bridge, formerly known as Bayview, was badly deteriorated and collapsed in the 1950's, but was then restored in about 1989. It is located in a small roadside park near Bayview, Maryland. These pictures, with one exception, were taken in the early-mid 1990's. W. Earl Simmers informs me that Gilpin's is again badly deteriorated. In June 2007, Mr. Simmers writes,

    "It is now closed to the public.
     "The Bridge belongs to Cecil County and has been neglected for 18 years. I have been trying to get the County to restore this historic structure since 1989. I have now begun a fund-raising drive to obtain public and private donations toward this project. Donations may be sent to Historical Society of Cecil County, Gilpin Falls Covered Bridge, 135 East Main St., Elkton, MD 21921, or to me, W. Earl Simmers, 99 Simmers Rd., Rising Sun, MD 21911.
     "The GFCB is in dire need of restoration to keep it from collapsing into the North East Creek."

Please inform yourself before contributing to any appeal, from whatever source. It is true that in many other cases, bridges no longer used for traffic and in public ownership have deteriorated, and some have been lost. In cases such as Bartram's in Delaware/Chester counties, Pennsylvania, and Larkin's in Chester County, committees of volunteers and initiatives by local government and local companies have been essential in rescuing bridges that would otherwise have been lost.

Informational Marker

Scenic View with Fisherman

Gilpin's in 1999

Last modified 10:49 AM June 20, 2007.

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