The Capon Lake Whipple Truss Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on December 15, 2011.

The Capon Lake Whipple Truss Bridge is located in a predominantly rural agricultural and forested area of southeastern Hampshire County within the Cacapon River valley.

[3] The confluence of Capon Springs Run with the Cacapon River lies just north (downstream) of the bridge.

[10][13] Murphy's design removed the need for riveted connections and allowed for easier and more widespread construction of truss bridges.

[14][15] Murphy's truss design consisted of double-intersection counter-diagonals, and along with the eyebar and pin connections, permitted longer iron bridge spans.

[8] The technology used in the Capon Lake Whipple Truss Bridge revolutionized transport throughout West Virginia.

[10][19] White also operated factories for iron cars and woolen mill machinery until 1859, when he began to concentrate solely on bridge construction.

After the fire, the company relocated across the river to Beaver Falls and restructured as the Penn Bridge and Machine Works.

[10][19] In addition to iron truss bridges, the company produced a range of structural and architectural components and continued to expand; it employed over 500 workers by 1908.

[10] The most prolific of its kind in the Pittsburgh region, the company was responsible for the construction of bridges throughout the United States.

Isaac Parsons (1752–1796) operated a ferry there following its establishment by an act of the Virginia General Assembly in October 1786.

[20][21] The 1838 covered bridge remained in use until it was destroyed by retreating Confederate forces during the American Civil War.

[8] Throughout the course of the war, Romney reportedly changed hands 56 times between Confederate and Union forces, and the crossing of the South Branch Potomac River served as a strategic point due to its position along the Northwestern Turnpike, an important east–west route.

[8] The October 12, 1874, edition of the South Branch Intelligencer characterized the new bridge as a "complete, handsome and durable structure", and further recounted that "the contractors, Messrs. White & Sons, New Brighton, Pennsylvania 'Penn Bridge & Machine Works,' have given us, in general opinion, a first rate, durable work, and deserve our best commendations.... We are confident that ours will realize a very handsome income and fully vindicate the wisdom of the County Court in voting its construction.

"[25][26] Following its construction in 1874, the Whipple truss bridge over the South Branch Potomac River served Romney and travelers along the Northwestern Turnpike for 63 years.

[1][9] Himelwright and Jacob "Moss" Rudolph, who had also participated in the bridge's construction, stated in interviews that both the site excavation and concrete work for the pier and abutments were completed by hand.

[8][9] Due to its rarity, age, and engineering significance, West Virginia Division of Highways District 5 decided to preserve the Whipple truss bridge.

[9] A wooden pedestrian walkway and observation deck were constructed across the full span of the remaining truss bridge.

"[2][8] Since its listing, the bridge has been maintained as a historic site for pedestrians by the West Virginia Division of Highways District 5.