Harrisburg Covered Bridge, Harrisburg Tennessee
The Harrisburg Covered Bridge is one of a half-dozen that are still standing in Tennessee. Fortunately, it was saved from total dilapidation when two local DAR chapters saw fit to restore the structure in 1972. It is still in use today.
Harrisburg is a small community in rural Sevier County. There was never any extensive development in the area; it is marked by some fine examples of mid and late-nineteenth-century homes. The bridge was built by Elbert Stephenson Early in 1875. Early, a resident of the area, was the owner of Newport Mills.
The Harrisburg Covered Bridge, long a landmark in the area, is an example of the covered bridges that were once numerous in the state, but have now almost disappeared. It is one of only three that remain in use today.
Bridge Description
The Harrisburg Covered Bridge was built over the East Fork of the Little Pigeon River by Elbert Stephenson Early in 1875. Like many covered bridges in America it had fallen into dilapidated condition. In 1972 the Great Smokies Chapter and the Spencer Clack Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution financed the repair and restoration of the structure.
The bridge is of quite simple design. It was originally supported by what is known as a queenpost truss. This type of truss made of hardwood beams permitted the engineer to span a greater distance than the more simplistic kingpost truss. The Harrisburg Bridge is roughly sixty feet long; a large concrete support was added at the center of the bridge in 1972.
The flooring of the bridge is made of oak planks which were laid from side to side. Windows are set between the vertical post of the truss. Shingles were probably the original roofing material, however, a new galvanized tin roof was added during restoration. Clapboard siding covers the vertical posts which support the roof. The bridge is located a short distance off U. S. Highway 411; one lane width adequately serves the residents of the rolling countryside beyond the East Fork.
(1975)
(1975)
