Though the region of the Pa Wilds in Northern Pennsylvania is nothing but vast forests today, a brief era at the turn of the 19th to 20th century utilized its expanses to cultivate every natural resource they could for the rapid expansion of American industry. The brightest minds and best technologies helped to penetrate the once impassable terrain to export lumber, petroleum, and ore as swiftly and efficiently as possible. Thus birthed the Kinzua Viaduct, 2100 foot long, 300 foot high trestle allowing a direct railroad route from the chain of mills, mines, and wells to profitable markets in New York. The record breaking structure lasted from 1882 until 2003, when a tornado swept through the deep valley and twisted the center portions of the bridge to the ground. Today it is a bridge to nowhere, a simultaneous reminder of past achievement as well as nature's raw power.
But Captain Crash wasn't gonna stop without a little extra encouragement, was he? That's right, another old legend of the Pennsylvania countryside... actually, two!
The ghost of the bridge is said to be the spirit of Charles P. Stauffer, an inspector of the bridge who worked with no sling lines, harnesses, or any of the fun toys we have today to make such a thing safe. He would climb the towers daily for inspection freehand... he survived his first fall by snagging a rail a few feet below, and a 65 foot when falling into a cushion of snow 10 feet deep. His third fall, sadly, proved to be fatal as his luck ran out. Nowadays Ol' Climbin' Charlie is still hangin' out on those same beams, keeping an eye out for any daredevil that gets a little to brave.
But the best known legend isn't paranormal, it's more of a treasure hunt. In 1893 a young robber pulled off a huge heist at a bank in the town of Emporium, making his escape by sneaking aboard passing trains. When he was finally found by his pursuing lawmen, he was nearly dead from contracting pneumonia while wandering through the cold forests. He was delirious and slipping into a coma when he suddenly exclaimed "Under a triangular rock within sight of the Kinzua Bridge!" They proved to be his final words, and many believe that it was a confession of his stash's location, where he had hidden Over 40 thousand dollars worth of gold coins tucked into glass jars. For over a century the treasure has been sought, but it remains cleverly hidden to this day, its secrets in the grave with the young bandit.Staples and I passed by after doing some guide work in the area and decided to make a quick stop. Only had cell phones for pics so the few we took suck big wang. Deal with it. Really cool old place though... would love to repel down to see the twisted mess in the bottom of the valley some day.
Really great history on the bridge can be found at this website, if you're hungry for more.
Tally-ho!
-Crash
