THE FACTS
Kinzua Bridge, also known as the eighth wonder of the world, was a railroad bridge built in 1881. It crosses over Kinzua Creek. The bridge was built 301 feet above the ground, and was 2,052 feet long. For two years, it held a record as the tallest bridge in the world. In 1900, the wrought iron bridge was replaced with steel. Trains continued to use the bridge until 1952. In 1963, it was sold to the Pennsylvania government and became the centerpiece of a state park. People began to restore the bridge in 2002, but in 2003, a tornado struck the bridge. Although a large portion of the bridge was torn off, you can still walk on the remaining portion today. It is now complete with railings and a glass floor lookout.
THE LEGEND
Years ago, in 1880, a young man robbed a bank in Emporium, PA. He escaped with over 60,000 dollars worth of gold coins. In order to avoid the police, the robber made his way through the dense woodlands in the surrounding area. He was not prepared for his time alone in the woods. For days he wandered around without food or water, and with no hope of hiding his money. As the weather got colder, he was found with a high fever. The coins were not with him. The robber was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died a few days later. Before his death, the robber said that the key to finding the coins was underneath a triangular rock. The rock could be seen from Kinzua Bridge. Many people have traveled to Kinzua Bridge to look for a triangular rock, but none have found it. There are many theories about this clue. Some say the rock was destroyed by the tornado. Others say that the “rock” may be one of the fallen supports. Most of the skeptics say that the robber was simply rambling after his time alone.