Covered Bridges of Sweet Home Alabama
August 2020
Alabama is home to an impressive collection of covered bridges, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There’s just something about the cozy shade of a covered bridge. As you step into the cover of the bridge, you feel a sense of safety as you become protected from the outside elements. You begin to reminisce on simpler times, and you are presented with a glimpse into history dating as far back as the 1800s. Here are five that you can explore on your next trip.
Coldwater Covered Bridge
Oxford
The Coldwater Covered Bridge is Alabama’s oldest covered bridge. It is believed that the bridge was built around 1850 and spans 63 feet. This bridge is known as a “kissing bridge” because it provided courting couples a brief moment of privacy as they passed through. The bridge was originally located over Coldwater Creek but was relocated to Oxford Lake Park for preservation.
Alamuchee‒Bellamy Covered Bridge
Livingston
Built in 1861, the Alamuchee‒Bellamy Covered Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in the South. This bridge was used as an access point into Mississippi during the Civil War. It was originally located over the Sucarnoochee River but is now located on the University of West Alabama campus.
Swann Covered Bridge
Cleveland
Spanning 324 feet over the rocky riverbed of the Locust Fork area of the Black Warrior River lies Swann Covered Bridge, the longest covered bridge in Alabama. This bridge is arguably one of the South’s most beautiful covered bridges with its lattice detail and combination of wood and metal. This historic bridge was built in 1933.
Oneonta
Built in 1935, the Horton Mill Covered Bridge is one of the highest covered bridges in the nation, standing 70 feet above the Black Warrior River. In addition to its marvelous height, it also spans 220 feet over the rushing river below. This bridge is one of the three covered bridges located in Alabama’s Covered Bridge Capital, Blount County.
Clarkson Covered Bridge
Cullman
Originally built in 1904, Clarkson Covered Bridge was once used by farmers and travelers to cross Crooked Creek. In 1931, a flood destroyed half of the bridge, but fortunately, many of the pieces were recovered so the bridge could be rebuilt. In 1975, the Cullman County Commission restored the bridge, embellishing the grounds with outdoor recreational areas, a Dogtrot cabin and a working grist mill. These are just five of the eleven covered bridges located all throughout Alabama. If you’re interested in going on a covered-bridge road trip, click here.
