Travel with Terri
Romancing the Past: Alabama’s Covered Bridges
By Terri Farris
Who can forget the covered bridges in the heart strings-pulling movie Bridges of Madison County? Romantics believe covered bridges exist for the sole purpose of stealing a kiss – resulting in the appropriate nickname of “Kissing Bridges!” There are other reasons these bridges are thought to have been covered. One belief was they were built to resemble barns so farm animals would feel more at home and not stampede as they were driven across rushing waters. Other explanations included: to keep snow off the bridges, to provide a place of shelter to travelers caught in a storm or to cover up the unsightly trusses. It is true that covered bridges were estimated to have a life expectancy three times greater than an uncovered bridge.
Whatever the reasons they were initially designed, today covered 
bridges are considered historical landmarks. These romantic structures from a bygone era appeal to our nostalgic side. Covered bridges – or the search for them – can provide an interesting travel experience. Most exist in off-the-beaten path locations and following the “turn at the second mailbox” directions can be challenging and entertaining!
Although Vermont and Oregon have the highest concentration of covered bridges, it is not necessary to head to the Northeast or the Pacific Northwest to find these nostalgic structures. The Southeast is home to numerous covered bridges in the beautiful state of Alabama.
Covered bridges in Alabama are scattered throughout the state. Almost all of these structures have historical significance. The Alamuchee Bridge built in 1861 was used by Confederate General Nathan to move his troops into Mississippi during the Civil War. Now relocated to the campus of the University of West Alabama in Livingston, the bridge’s original location was at Alamuchee Creek and was the site where horse thief Steve Renfroe – the county sheriff – was executed by hanging!
Cullman County is home to the Clarkson-Legg Bridge which stretches 250 feet across a gorge cut by Crooked Creek. James Wordlaw Legg, a local mail carrier for the Clarkson Post Office, donated all the materials to build this bridge in 1908 to improve transportation in the area. What an excellent community service!
Built in 1861, the Kymulga Bridge spans Talledega Creek in the old Kymulga community near Childersburg. The bridge was built before the Civil War and a gristmill was constructed there during the war. Today the bridge and the mill are open to the public. Visitors can see corn ground with the original millstones imported from France.
Also crossing the Talledega Creek in the Waldo community is the Waldo Bridge. This historical bridge was used by Wilson’s Raiders during the Civil War. It is located near Riddle’s Hole, an 1840 gold mine that continued operations until World War II. The gristmill at this bridge has been converted into a restaurant.
Blount County, Alabama is known as the Covered Bridge Capital of Alabama and is home to the annual Covered Bridge Festival held each year in October. The festival offers many events including a golf tournament, a 5K race and Fun Run, car show, arts and crafts booths and live entertainment. There is even a Doggy Parade where canines are dressed up to compete for the coveted title of Covered Bridge Festival Doggy King and Queen! The Miss Covered Bridge Pageant is also held in October at the Oneonta High School auditorium. The beauty pageant is a preliminary competition to the Miss Alabama pageant. www.blountoneontachanmber.org/covered-bridge-festival
- The Easley Bridge
Nearby in Noccalula Falls Park just outside the city of Gadsden stands the Gilliland Bridge. Moved to the park from its original location at the Gilliland Plantation in Reese City, it is said a wedding took place at the bridge when a couple happened to meet the preacher there after going to Gadsden to get their marriage license! And that brings us back to the most romantic reason for covered bridges – kissing!
For more information on Alabama’s covered bridges and other attractions, visit www.alabama.travel.
Terri is a freelance writer with regular columns on travel, chocolate and bar reviews. She is busy each month visiting new places to bring unique travel destinations and events to you. Yes, it is a sacrifice – but she is willing to do that for her readers! You can see more of Terri’s writing at www.examiner.com where she is the National Chocolate Examiner and at www.barzz.net. You can contact Terri at [email protected].