Loys Station Covered Bridge is located near the small towns of Loys, Rocky Ridge and Graceham. It's the second covered bridge at this location. The first was arsoned in 1991. The original Loys Covered Bridge, built in 1848 by an unknown builder, crossed Owens Creek at a length of ninety feet. Around 1929-30 it was modified by adding a concrete pier and steel beams under the flooring to provide more support creating two 45 foot spans, although many bridge enthusiasts consider this as just one span with a center support. At one time Western Maryland Railroad had a station stop at Loys, so the bridge became known as Loys Station Covered Bridge. The tracks still exist today. Of historical interest, it is believed that on July 7, 1863, after the battle at Gettsyburg, General George Meade crossed Loys Station Covered Bridge while pursuing the retreating Confederate Army.
On June 27, 1991 a pickup truck was set on fire while in the bridge as part of an insurance fraud scheme. The local community began raising money for bridge reconstruction by selling T-shirts, having record hop fundraisers and selling limited edition prints of the bridge by a local artist. The Frederick County Covered Bridge Preservation Society, led by Dean Fitzgerald who is also owner of Heavy Timber Construction, fought to have the bridge built to its original all wood structure. The Maryland Historical Trust, Frederick County officials argued the bridge should be built to its 1930s state when the steel beams and center pier were added for reinforcement. It took three long years before the rebuilding effort was completed. Although losing the battle to rebuild the bridge to historic authentication, it did include the use of original hardware, rafters and braces from the arsoned bridge. Reconstruction included interior lighting and fire-retardant materials. The total reconstruction cost was nearly $300,000. Much of the cost was paid for by Frederick County's Insurance company, who sought restitution from the two men eventually convicted of the arson and fraud crime. On June 7, 1994 a crane hoisted the trusses into place. On June 25th a celebration of the bridge rebuilding was held and on July 4, 1994 the bridge was officially opened to traffic.
In 2011 The National Historic Covered Bridge Preservation Program awarded a $176,400 grant to Frederick County for repairs to Utica Mills, Roddy Road and Loys Station bridges. Frederick County kicked in another $44,100 to bring the total funding amount to $220,500. The contract to repair the bridges was awarded to Kingsley Construction, Inc.
In the spring of 2015 Loys Station Bridge received an application of interior fire retardant, a fresh coat of much needed exterior paint, and a major renovation to its park and playground area. The park includes picnic tables, grills, a child's playground, covered shelters, rest room facilities and a very adequate parking lot. The bridge is in well-maintained, excellent condition.
Loys Station bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 23, 1978.
The cache you seek is a small square ice cube style container whice holds a few stashnote/logsheet combinations but no room for a stylus so be sure to bring a pen. Please be sure to rehide the container well so that muggles can't easily find it.
FTF honors go to !!! Congratulations friends!!!
