Clarkson Covered Bridge - Legg Bridge, Cullman Alabama
The Clarkson Covered Bridge is one of the longest two-span covered bridges standing in the Deep South. This massive turn-of-the-century structure is one of only 13 remaining covered bridges in the state, and is the last of eleven such bridges in Cullman County.
The bridge was constructed in 1904 on land donated to the county by the father of W. H. Legg. In 1923 the bridge was damaged by a storm and had to be repaired. Bill Slosler, a contractor from Cullman was hired by the county to repair the bridge. A member of the repair crew, Elton O. Brock recalls that the work began in the fall of 1923 and was finished in the first part of 1924, for $1,000 to $1,500.
The bridge is one of nine Town type bridges standing in Alabama. The Town bridges, which were built all over the eastern United States, were instigated by a New England promoter, Ithiel Town. Town was granted a patent on this type of truss in 1820. His bridges were built in a lattice style of plans forming a webbing. A genuine American invention the Town truss was a durable bridge that could withstand an unusually large amount of weight.
The bridge is county-owned but construction and maintenance of all roads and bridges are the direct responsibility of the Highway Department. The Cullman County Board of Revenue plans to use the bridge and surrounding acreage as a recreational park.
Bridge Description
The Clarkson Bridge is a two span Town truss that crosses a deep gorge across Crooked Creek and connects the communities of Bethel and Central.
Constructed entirely of local materials, the bridge measures 250 feet in length with a single massive stone pier by the north bank of the creek serving as its only support.
The width of the bridge measures 12 feet and the bridge is constructed of rough pine except for the roof which is presently of sheet metal, but originally was constructed of wood shingles. Bracings measure 2" x 12" while the cross bracing and studs of the siding are 2" x 4". The flooring is 2" x 6" rough pine.
