Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gilliland-Reese CB |
|
|---|---|
The Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge at Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden, Alabama.
|
|
| Coordinates | 34°02′21.79″N 86°01′26.93″W / 34.0393861°N 86.0241472°W |
| Carries | pedestrian traffic |
| Crosses | small pond near Black Creek |
| Locale | Gadsden, Alabama |
| Maintained by | City of Gadsden |
| ID number | 01-28-C (WGCB) |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Stringer construction |
| Total length | 85 ft (26 m) |
| History | |
| Construction end | 1899 |
The Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge is a cool old wooden bridge. It's also known as Gilliland's Covered Bridge. You can find it in Gadsden, Alabama, in the United States.
This bridge crosses a small pond near Black Creek. It's located inside Noccalula Falls Park. This park is famous for its amazing 90-foot (27 m) Noccalula Falls. The falls are part of Black Creek, tumbling down from Lookout Mountain.
The Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge was built in 1899. It is 85 feet (26 meters) long. The bridge is now used for people to walk across. It's a special part of the park.
You need to pay a small fee to enter Noccalula Falls Park. But seeing Noccalula Falls itself is free! Inside the park, you can also explore a pioneer village and a beautiful botanical garden. The City of Gadsden takes care of the bridge.
Bridge History: From Farm to Park
The Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge has an interesting past. It was built way back in 1899. A team led by Etowah County Commissioner Jesse Gilliland constructed it.
Original Location and Purpose
The bridge was first built over Little Wills Creek. This was near a place called Gilliland Plantation. It helped people cross the creek easily. The bridge also became a popular spot for people to meet up.
The bridge was originally a "Town Lattice truss" design. This means it had a special crisscross pattern of wooden beams. It was made from rough wood and covered with old, weathered shingles.
Moving the Bridge
In the 1920s, a new road called Reeceville Road replaced the bridge. The Gilliland family later gave the bridge to the City of Gadsden in 1966. This saved it from being torn down because of the new Interstate 59 highway being built.
The bridge was carefully moved to Noccalula Falls Park in 1967. It was also fully restored. During this restoration, most of its original "Town Lattice truss" design was changed. Now, it's more of a "Stringer construction" bridge. This means it uses long, strong beams for support.
Even though it's been changed, the Gilliland-Reese Covered Bridge is still a cool piece of history. It adds even more charm to the already historic Noccalula Falls Park.
