List of bridges on the National Register of Historic Places in Kentucky facts for kids
Kentucky is home to many historic bridges and tunnels that have played a big part in the state's history. These amazing structures helped people travel and move goods across rivers and valleys for many years. Some of them are so special that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are important landmarks that we want to protect for future generations to see and learn about.
Contents
- What is the National Register of Historic Places?
- Famous Bridges and Tunnels in Kentucky
- Bennett's Mill Covered Bridge
- Cabin Creek Covered Bridge
- Colville Covered Bridge
- Covington and Cincinnati Suspension Bridge
- Doe Run Trestle
- East Main Street Bridge
- Goddard Bridge
- Goose Creek Foot Bridge
- Hillsboro Covered Bridge
- Johnson Creek Covered Bridge
- Lee's Creek Covered Bridge
- Louisville Municipal Bridge
- Maysville-Aberdeen Bridge
- Mount Zion Covered Bridge
- Newport and Cincinnati Bridge
- Oldtown Covered Bridge
- Ringos Mill Covered Bridge
- Singing Bridge
- Switzer Covered Bridge
- Valley Pike Covered Bridge
- Walcott Covered Bridge
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is like a special list of important buildings, places, and structures in the United States. When a bridge or tunnel is added to this list, it means it has a unique history. It could be important because of its age, how it was built, or the events that happened around it. Being on this list helps protect these places. It also makes sure people know how valuable they are to our country's story.
Famous Bridges and Tunnels in Kentucky
Kentucky has many cool bridges and tunnels. Let's explore some of the most interesting ones that are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bennett's Mill Covered Bridge
The Bennett's Mill Covered Bridge was built around 1855. It's a beautiful old covered bridge located near Greenup. Covered bridges are special because they have roofs and walls. This protects the wooden parts of the bridge from weather like rain and snow. This helps the bridge last much longer.
Cabin Creek Covered Bridge
Another historic covered bridge is the Cabin Creek Covered Bridge. It was built around 1867 near Tollesboro. This bridge uses a special design called a Burr Truss. This design makes the bridge very strong. It's a great example of old-time engineering.
Colville Covered Bridge
The Colville Covered Bridge was built in 1877 near Millersburg. Like the Cabin Creek Bridge, it also uses the Burr truss design. This bridge is a lovely reminder of how people used to build bridges to cross rivers and streams.
Covington and Cincinnati Suspension Bridge
This is one of the most famous bridges in Kentucky! The Covington and Cincinnati Suspension Bridge connects Covington, Kentucky, to Cincinnati, Ohio. It was built in 1856 and finished in 1867. It was designed by a famous engineer named John A. Roebling. This bridge was a test for his later, even more famous, Brooklyn Bridge. It's a suspension bridge, meaning its deck hangs from strong cables.
Doe Run Trestle
The Doe Run Trestle is located near Springfield. A trestle is a type of bridge that uses a framework of beams to support the track or road above. This structure was listed on the National Register in 1989. It shows how important railroads were for moving goods and people in the past.
East Main Street Bridge
The East Main Street Bridge in Corbin was built in 1890 and updated in 1905. It's a Pratt through truss bridge. This means the main supports of the bridge are above the roadway. It's a strong and common design for railroad bridges.
Goddard Bridge
The Goddard Bridge was built in 1933 near Goddard. This bridge is a good example of how bridges were built in the early 20th century. It helped connect communities and allowed for easier travel.
Goose Creek Foot Bridge
The Goose Creek Foot Bridge, built in 1928, is a unique bridge in Greensburg. It's a footbridge, meaning it's only for people walking! It's a charming part of the local history and shows how even small bridges can be important.
Hillsboro Covered Bridge
Another beautiful covered bridge, the Hillsboro Covered Bridge, was built around 1865 near Hillsboro. Like other covered bridges, its roof and sides protect its wooden structure. This helps it last for many years.
Johnson Creek Covered Bridge
The Johnson Creek Covered Bridge, built in 1874 near Mount Olivet, uses a Smith Truss design. This is another type of strong wooden truss. It's a great example of the different ways engineers designed bridges back then.
Lee's Creek Covered Bridge
Built in 1835, the Lee's Creek Covered Bridge near Dover is one of the oldest covered bridges on this list. It features a Queenpost design. This design uses two main vertical posts to support the bridge. It's a simple yet effective way to build a strong bridge.
Louisville Municipal Bridge
Also known as the George Rogers Clark Memorial Bridge, this bridge was built in 1928-1929. It connects Louisville to Jeffersonville, Indiana. It's a Warren through truss bridge. This type of bridge is known for its strong triangular sections.
Maysville-Aberdeen Bridge
The Maysville-Aberdeen Bridge, also called the Simon Kenton Memorial Bridge, was built in 1930-1931. It's a steel suspension bridge that crosses the Ohio River. It connects Maysville to Aberdeen, Ohio. Suspension bridges are known for their graceful appearance and ability to span long distances.
Mount Zion Covered Bridge
The Mount Zion Covered Bridge was built in 1871 near Mooresville. It uses the Burr truss design, which was popular for its strength. This bridge is a beautiful piece of history in Washington County.
Newport and Cincinnati Bridge
This bridge, built in 1868 and updated in 1872 and 1896, connects Newport to Cincinnati, Ohio. It's a subdivided Pratt truss bridge. This means it has many smaller sections within its main truss design. It's another important connection across the Ohio River.
Oldtown Covered Bridge
The Oldtown Covered Bridge is located near Oldtown. It was listed on the National Register in 1976. Like other covered bridges, it's a cherished part of Kentucky's heritage.
Ringos Mill Covered Bridge
The Ringos Mill Covered Bridge, built in 1867 near Flemingsburg, is another example of Kentucky's historic covered bridges. These bridges are often found in rural areas and have a charming, old-fashioned look.
Singing Bridge
The Singing Bridge, built in 1893, is located in Frankfort, the state capital. It's called the "Singing Bridge" because of the sound it makes when cars drive over its metal grates. It's a unique and well-loved landmark in the city.
Switzer Covered Bridge
The Switzer Covered Bridge was built in 1855 near Switzer. It's one of the oldest covered bridges in Kentucky. It's a great example of the early bridge-building techniques used in the state.
Valley Pike Covered Bridge
The Valley Pike Covered Bridge near Maysville uses a Single Kingpost truss design. This is a very basic and strong truss type. It's a simple yet effective way to build a bridge. It was listed on the National Register in 1976.
Walcott Covered Bridge
The Walcott Covered Bridge, built around 1880 near Brooksville, uses a Queen & King post type truss. This combines two common truss designs to create a strong structure. It's another beautiful example of Kentucky's covered bridges.
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