The Colville Covered Bridge
Throughout the 19th century the covered bridge was a popular design for water crossings in America. Builders found that by putting a roof and side-walls on their bridges they could shelter the critical structure from the elements, helping prevent rot and decay from causing damage. Kentucky alone was home to over 400 such structures.
As steel and concrete replaced wood and nail, the vast majority of these bridges were destroyed and replaced with modern structures. Today the Bluegrass State is down to only 11 remaining bridges (we lost our largest remaining one to arson in early 2021), of which only 3 are still drive-able.
Over the course of the past year I was able to visit all of them (including the remains of the Beechfork Bridge), but my first one was the Colville Covered Bridge in Bourbon County Kentucky.
Built in 1877, the bridge spans Hinkston Creek, and is a Burr Truss design. It measures 124 feet long, and 18 feet wide. It has undergone restoration work in 1931, 1937, and again in 1976. It is one of the 3 remaining bridges that you can drive across, and happens to be located in Amish country, so we were lucky enough to see a horse and buggy drive across it during our visit. According to legend, it might also be the only haunted covered bridge in Kentucky, owing to a man hanging himself from one of its rafters.
Each of Kentucky’s historic bridges has their own unique beauty. Some are in various states of disrepair, but Colville remains in pretty nice shape. She could use a fresh coat of paint, but holds up well enough that you shouldn’t feel the least bit nervous driving across her. I highly recommend seeing each of these grand structures if at all possible, before they disappear forever. If you happen to be located in the Bluegrass region like me, Colville is definitely a great starting point.
Want to Experience This Adventure for Yourself?
https://goo.gl/maps/EUGjoAGLHSs6xHj3A
