Humpback Bridge, Covington Virginia
Built in 1835 as part of the James River and Kanawha Valley Turnpike, Humpback Bridge is the oldest remaining covered bridge in Virginia and the only one of its type in the country. The bridge is both a skillful engineering feat and an example of fine craftmanship. Its unique design and picturesque appearance make it a significant state as well as national landmark.
Humpback Bridge is constructed of hand-hewn oak timbers put together with locust pins rather than nails. The bridge's one-hundred-foot span has no middle support, and the center floor and roof are eight feet higher than the ends of the bridge giving it its characteristic humped appearance. The ends of the bridge are supported on a high stone foundation Since 1953 the bridge has served as part of a five-acre wayside to Route 60 near Interstate-64 West of Covington across Dunlop Creek, and at present is used only for foot traffic.
(1978)
(1978)
(1978)
