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Bennetts Mill Covered Bridge, which crosses Tygarts Creek several miles south of the creek’s junction with the Ohio River in the north-east corner of Kentucky. It was built in 1854 near the town of South Shore in Greenup County. It is one of 13 covered bridges still standing in Kentucky. At 195-foot-long, the bridge is the longest single span covered bridge in Kentucky. It is also the only example of a Wheeler truss bridge in the United States. The bridge remains open to vehicular traffic with a 5-ton weight limit.
Bennetts Mill Covered Bridge, Greenup County, Kentucky
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The bridge was commissioned, and named after, B.F. and Pramley Bennett to facilitate access to a mill the two brother operated on the banks of Tygarts Creek. The bridge was threatened with destruction during the Civil War. To protect it, the brothers hid guns in the hills to the east and west in order to protect their investment.
Since construction the bridge has never received a coat of paint. What we see in these images is the recently restored structure. Like the original, the side boards have been cut short of the roof line for ventilation and lighting.
Using a grant from the US Department of Transportation received in 2000, repairs were made to restore the structural integrity of the bridge. In addition, the load capacity was raised from 3 to approximately 8 tons.
Like most covered bridges, this one is included on the National Register of Historic Places, being listed in March 1976.
Twitter: ljsaltiel
| March 7, 2012
Really nice images Mark. The first one is perfectly composed and the textures really show the age of the bridge.
Twitter: JimiJones
| March 7, 2012
What a great find, Mark. really loving these images and the back story. You’ve captured and processed these to perfection. Looking at the first image, showing some of the inside, this bridge looks mighty rugged.
Well done, Mark!
Twitter: twitter (username)
| March 7, 2012
Very nice images Mark. I love old covered bridges and you’ve captured them so well.
Twitter: ToadHollowPhoto
| March 8, 2012
Most wonderful Mark! I love these old bridges, there is something historic and romantic about them. Great captures here my friend, I really enjoyed this set!
Twitter: jimnixaustin
| March 8, 2012
great shots Mark, looks like a wonderful place!
Twitter: catchthejiffy
| March 12, 2012
That, my friend, is a thing of beauty. I have always loved these structures, and been fascinated with them. Cool post and beautiful shots Mark!