There’s just something wonderful about covered bridges. They’re synonymous with simpler times, when couples would escape the public eye and meet for a brief rendezvous. These “kissing bridges” were also durable, lasting decades longer than ordinary wooden bridges. The covering protected the structure from weather and also prevented horses from spooking at the sight of water. In the early 1900s, Virginia was home to hundreds of these covered bridges. Today, only seven remain, four of which are open to the public. Thankfully, these bridges have been preserved well and can be visited and admired. These structures are an understated testament to Virginia’s history.
- Sinking Creek Covered Bridge
Virginia Department of Transportation/Flickr
James Walsh/flickr Located in Giles County, Sinking Creek Covered Bridge is 70-feet long and was built in 1916. This bridge appears something like a barn with its painted paneling and tin roof.
- Meems Bottom Bridge
Virginia Department of Transportation/flickr This 204-foot bridge in Mount Jackson was built in 1894 and runs over the north fork of the Shenandoah River. The bridge was burned in Halloween of 1976, but restored soon after.
- Jack’s Bridge
Virginia Department of Transportation/flickr
Virginia Department of Transportation/flickr Built in 1914, Jack’s Creek covered bridge crosses the Smith River in Woolwine and is 48 feet long. The bridge was designed by Walter Weaver, whose descendants still remain in the area and pass down tales about the romantic bridge.
- Humpback Bridge
James/flickr
Virginia Department of Transportation/flickr Humpback Bridge is located on Route 600 in Allegheny County. This bridge is considered a Historic Virginia Landmark and is the oldest covered bridge in the state, dating back to 1857. The 100-foot bridge is 4 feet taller in its center which allows for the unique curved shape.
Covered bridges remind us of a time when life and transportation just seemed to move a little bit slower. Have you visited any of these historic bridges?
Virginia Department of Transportation/Flickr
James Walsh/flickr
Located in Giles County, Sinking Creek Covered Bridge is 70-feet long and was built in 1916. This bridge appears something like a barn with its painted paneling and tin roof.
Virginia Department of Transportation/flickr
This 204-foot bridge in Mount Jackson was built in 1894 and runs over the north fork of the Shenandoah River. The bridge was burned in Halloween of 1976, but restored soon after.
Built in 1914, Jack’s Creek covered bridge crosses the Smith River in Woolwine and is 48 feet long. The bridge was designed by Walter Weaver, whose descendants still remain in the area and pass down tales about the romantic bridge.
James/flickr
Humpback Bridge is located on Route 600 in Allegheny County. This bridge is considered a Historic Virginia Landmark and is the oldest covered bridge in the state, dating back to 1857. The 100-foot bridge is 4 feet taller in its center which allows for the unique curved shape.
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