The Lost Mount Zion Covered Bridge
In December 2020 I set out to see all 13 remaining covered bridges in Kentucky. I started with the ones closest to home, figuring that none of these bridges that stood for over a century would be going anywhere anytime soon. Unfortunately on the night of March 9th 2021 the Bluegrass State lost its longest covered, the Mt. Zion Bridge, to arson. In October 2021 I made the pilgrimage to see where she once stood.
The Mount Zion Covered Bridge was 280ft Multiple Kingpost Truss bridge spanning the Little Beech Fork Creek near Mooresville, Kentucky. Originally built in 1871, it was replaced by a more modern bridge right next to it in the late 20th century, but remained a popular tourist attraction in the area. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, it underwent an extensive renovation between 2015 and 2017 to restore it to its former glory.
During my visit 7 months after the devastating fire, all that remained of the bridge was it’s concrete supports. Even just standing on the shore of one side looking across, the span that was once occupied by the bridge is still impressive. One remnant of the bridge does remain in large quantities. Practically every surface in the area was covered with charred and rusted nails that survived the fire. After scouting around through the grass on one side I also found a small chunk of charred wood. These few simple relics are all that remain of this once beautiful architectural wonder.
The former site of the Mt. Zion Bridge is perfectly situated between Frankfort and Bardstown. If you want to pay your respects to this lost piece of Kentucky history, trip would sandwich very well with a tour of the numerous historic sites in those cities. On my particular journey we started with a tour of the Old State Capitol in Frankfort, hit a few of the local museums, saw the bridge, and then capped it all off with dinner at the historic Old Talbott Tavern in Bardstown.
Want to Experience This Adventure for Yourself?:
