Bob White Covered Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bob White Covered Bridge |
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The Bob White Covered Bridge near Woolwine, Virginia
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| Coordinates | 36°46′44.82″N 80°14′51.26″W / 36.7791167°N 80.2475722°W |
| Carries | pedestrian traffic |
| Crosses | Smith River |
| Locale | Woolwine, Virginia |
| Maintained by | Patrick County, VA |
| ID number | 46-68-01 (WGCB) |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Queen-post truss |
| Total length | 80 ft (24 m) |
| History | |
| Constructed by | Walter Weaver |
| Construction end | 1921 |
| Closed | September 29, 2015 by flooding |
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Bob White Covered Bridge
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Formerly listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places
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| Area | 10 acres (4.0 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 73002049 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | May 22, 1973 |
| Removed from NRHP | February 7, 2017 |
The Bob White Covered Bridge was a special wooden bridge in Patrick County, Virginia, United States. It was also known as the Lower Covered Bridge or Woolwine Covered Bridge. This bridge stretched across the Smith River near the town of Woolwine.
Covered bridges are unique because they have walls and a roof, like a long tunnel. This cover helps protect the wooden parts of the bridge from rain, snow, and sun. This way, the bridge lasts much longer. The Bob White Covered Bridge was a beloved landmark until it was sadly destroyed by a big flood in 2015.
What Was the Bob White Covered Bridge?
The Bob White Covered Bridge was built in 1921. It was 80 feet (about 24 meters) long. The bridge used a special design called a Queen-post truss. This design uses strong wooden frames to support the bridge's weight.
The bridge was owned by Patrick County. It was one of only two historic covered bridges left in the county. Because of its history, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. This list includes important places that are worth saving.
A Bridge with a Story
The Bob White Covered Bridge was built by Walter G. Weaver. He was from Woolwine. The bridge got its name from the old Bob White Post Office. That post office was named after the bobwhite quail birds that live in the area.
This bridge was important for people living nearby. It helped them get to the Smith River Church of the Brethren. The church was on the other side of the river. Even after a new concrete bridge was built in 1981, the Bob White Covered Bridge remained popular.
Many people visited the old bridge. It was a favorite spot for visitors. Every June, the bridge was part of the Patrick County Covered Bridge Festival. People could enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides across it.
Why Isn't the Bridge There Anymore?
On September 29, 2015, a huge flood hit the area. The powerful water washed away the Bob White Covered Bridge. It was completely destroyed.
Because the bridge was gone, it was removed from the National Register of Historic Places in 2017. Even though the bridge is no longer standing, its memory lives on as an important part of Patrick County's history.
