Alamuchee-Bellamy Covered Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alamuchee-Bellamy CB |
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The Alamuchee-Bellamy Covered Bridge (1861) moved to the campus of the University of West Alabama in Livingston, Alabama
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| Coordinates | 32°35′37″N 88°11′09″W / 32.59374°N 88.18585°W |
| Carries | pedestrian traffic |
| Crosses | Duck Pond (UWA) |
| Locale | Livingston, Alabama |
| Maintained by | Sumter County Historical Society |
| ID number | 01-60-01 (WGCB) |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Town lattice truss |
| Total length | 88 ft (27 m) |
| History | |
| Construction end | 1861 |
The Alamuchee-Bellamy Covered Bridge is a special wooden covered bridge located in Sumter County, Alabama, United States. It crosses a small pond called Duck Pond on the campus of the University of West Alabama in Livingston, Alabama.
This historic bridge was built in 1861 and is 88 feet (27 meters) long. It uses a unique design called a Town's lattice truss. The Alamuchee-Bellamy Covered Bridge is one of the oldest covered bridges still standing in Alabama. It is cared for by the Sumter County Historical Society. This bridge is so important that it could be added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Contents
Bridge History: A Journey Through Time
Building the Bridge (1861)
The Alamuchee-Bellamy Covered Bridge was first built in 1861. It was designed by a man named William Alexander Campbell Jones, who was a Captain in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. The bridge was originally placed over the Sucarnoochee River. It was an important path connecting Livingston to York, which is now part of U.S. Route 11.
The builders used strong yellow pine timbers for the bridge. These timbers were shaped by hand and joined together with large wooden pegs. During the Civil War, the bridge was used by Confederate forces. It helped soldiers led by General Nathan Bedford Forrest travel to Mississippi.
Moving the Bridge (1924)
In 1924, a new concrete bridge was built to replace the Alamuchee-Bellamy Covered Bridge. So, the old wooden bridge was carefully moved about 5 miles (8 km) south. It was placed over Alamuchee Creek on a road that is now called Bennett 13 Road. At this new spot, it became known as the "Alamuchee Covered Bridge."
The bridge continued to be used by cars and trucks until 1958. However, during that time, a logging truck accidentally crashed into the bottom of the bridge. Because of this damage, the Alamuchee-Bellamy Covered Bridge was closed and left without repairs.
Saving and Restoring the Bridge (1971)
Luckily, in 1971, the Sumter County Historical Society stepped in to help. They worked hard to fully repair the damaged bridge. After its restoration, the bridge was moved once again. This time, it came back to Livingston and was placed over Duck Pond at the University of West Alabama.
Today, the bridge is a special part of the university campus. It helps students get around and also draws visitors from all over. It's a wonderful piece of history in Sumter County! The bridge has been made easy to use for everyone, including those in wheelchairs. It even has lights inside so you can see it at night.
The bridge had more restoration work done in early 2017 to keep it in good shape.
