What Lies Beneath

During the summer we all like to enjoy the water and will often stop by a lake to take a swim. While your out having a little fun have you ever considered what might be deep beneath the surface.

Located in southwestern Pennsylvania and western Maryland is the Youghiogheny River Dam which was built to control flooding on the Yough river. In the early 1940’s the town of Somerfield was abandon due to the dam project and subsequently flooded. Leaving behind, Somerfield bridge which was once part of Rt. 40 also know as the National Pike. The bridge was dedicated in 1818 and was used until the flooding. For nearly 50 years the bridge and town remained under the surface of the water forgotten. But, in 1991 the bridge and town reappeared for the first time bringing visitors from all over to see the lost town. And since then in times of drought the lake is drained and the bridge and town reappear for a short time. And you guessed it, the town and bridge has reappeared this year and for a short time we can take a look at the old bridge. So if you have the time take a ride up to the lake and walk across the bridge, that was once part of the National Pike, and the submerged town of Somerfield.

The photos below are of the Somerfield bridge, some of the foundations, and a few other things that lie beneath the surface.