Bennett’s Mill Covered Bridge
Somewhere along State Route 7 in a sleepy corner of Greenup County Kentucky sits a true treasure from the state’s past. Spanning Tygart Creek just a few miles south of where it flows into the Ohio River is the Bennett’s Mill Covered Bridge. Of Kentucky’s remaining covered bridges this one stands out in a number of ways, and is probably my favorite of the bunch.
Originally built in 1855 by brothers B.F. and Parmaly Bennet to help carry customers across the creek to access their commercial mill which ground flour and sawed lumber. Prior to this endeavor of running a mill the brothers had successfully operated the nearby Globe iron furnace, and actually dismantled part of the furnace to build the stone foundations of the bridge (I know, they combined two of my favorite historic attractions in the state). The bridge was reconfigured in 1874 as a Wheeler Truss design, and these structural improvements allow it to continue in operation today serving vehicular traffic, which is a rarity for these bridges.
Allegedly the bridge currently stands at the oldest, longest, single space covered bridge in the world, but that record isn’t what makes it special. It was the subject of a recent restoration project with a price tag of upwards of $1 million dollars, and its abundantly clear that the local community embraces the bridge and the treasure that it truly is. Not only is it in the best shape of any of Kentucky’s covered bridges, but during my late September visit it had been decorated appropriately for fall. It also featured a few different plaques with info, and advertisements for prints of the historic bridge.
Although several communities in Kentucky show appreciation for their covered bridges, Greenup County really goes above and beyond celebrating this remarkable piece of history which they are blessed with. My only complaint about this attraction would have to be that it is quite a ways off of the beaten path. I detoured here on my way home from a work trip to Huntington West Virginia, and it added a good hour to the journey. That said, it is well worth the trip to see this bridge in all of its glory, with fall being the perfect time of year to visit.
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