Clarkson–Legg Covered Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clarkson–Legg CB |
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The Clarkson–Legg Covered Bridge near Cullman, Alabama.
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| Coordinates | 34°12′27.08″N 86°59′27.35″W / 34.2075222°N 86.9909306°W |
| Carries | pedestrian traffic (vehicles until 1962) |
| Crosses | Crooked Creek |
| Locale | Bethel, Alabama |
| Maintained by | Cullman County Commission |
| ID number | 01-22-01 (WGCB) |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Town lattice truss bridge |
| Total length | 270 ft (82 m) |
| History | |
| Construction end | 1904 |
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Clarkson Bridge
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| Area | 1 acre (0.4 ha) |
| Architectural style | Two Span Town Truss |
| NRHP reference No. | 74000408 |
| Added to NRHP | June 25, 1974 |
The Clarkson–Legg Covered Bridge, often called Clarkson Covered Bridge, is a county-owned wooden covered bridge. It crosses Crooked Creek in Cullman County, Alabama, United States. This historic bridge is located at Clarkson Covered Bridge Park. You can find the park on County Road 1043, near the community of Bethel. It's about 8 miles (13 km) west of Cullman.
The bridge was built in 1904. It is 270 feet (82 meters) long and uses a special design called a Town lattice truss. This design helps the bridge support weight. The Clarkson–Legg Covered Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 25, 1974. It is currently the second longest historic covered bridge in Alabama. The Cullman County Commission takes care of the bridge.
Contents
History of the Bridge
Building the Bridge
The Clarkson–Legg Covered Bridge was built in 1904. It was constructed over Crooked Creek. The land belonged to a local mail carrier named James W. Legg. The bridge cost $1,500 to build. It was first called the Legg Covered Bridge, named after Mr. Legg. He saw that the area needed better ways to travel. He even provided many of the building materials himself.
Rebuilding After a Flood
In 1921, a big flood damaged half of the bridge. Most of the broken pieces were found downstream. The bridge was rebuilt the next year. Cullman County hired a contractor to help. The rebuilding also cost $1,500.
Changes Over Time
The covered bridge was used by cars and other vehicles until 1962. Then, a new concrete bridge was built nearby. This new bridge took over the vehicle traffic. In 1975, the Clarkson–Legg Covered Bridge was restored. This was part of a special project for the American Bicentennial. A gristmill and a log cabin at Clarkson Covered Bridge Park were also restored. Today, many fun activities are held at the park. One popular event is called Old-Fashioned Days.
Recent Flooding
On Christmas Day in 2015, heavy rain caused flooding. About 8 inches (20 cm) of rain fell in one day. Many paths and walkways in Clarkson Covered Bridge Park were damaged. Luckily, the covered bridge itself was not harmed. The park had to close to the public for repairs. It reopened on January 13, 2016.
Civil War Events Nearby
Skirmishes at Crooked Creek
During the American Civil War, some small battles happened near where the Clarkson–Legg Covered Bridge now stands. These events took place on April 30, 1863. They were part of a series of fights in Cullman County that day.
Streight's Raid
A group of soldiers from the Union Army was involved. They were led by Colonel Abel Streight. They were being chased by Confederate Army forces. These Confederate forces were led by General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Colonel Streight's group was trying to cut off the Western and Atlantic Railroad. This railroad was important for supplying the Confederate Army. Their attempt to cut the railroad was not successful. It became known as Streight's Raid.
