Buzzard Roost Bridge: Difference between revisions

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Local residents believe it was originally constructed about [[1820]], the same year that Ithiel Town of Connecticut patented the Town lattice truss that was employed in its construction. It is more likely that the bridge was built, or re-built, about [[1860]].
Local residents believe it was originally constructed about [[1820]], the same year that Ithiel Town of Connecticut patented the Town lattice truss that was employed in its construction. It is more likely that the bridge was built, or re-built, about [[1860]].


In [[1955]] a large sign was erected above at least one end of the bridge. It read:
In [[1955]] a large sign was erected above at least one end of the bridge.  
<blockquote><center><small>YOU ARE NOW ENTERING<br>BUZZARD ROOST BRIDGE<br>OLDEST COVERED BRIDGE IN ALABAMA BUILT 1820<br>RESTORED AND MAINTAINED BY<br>COUNTY BOARD OF REVENUE<br>GRESHAM HALE CHAIRMAN<br>PAUL KEETON NW.  CARL WALDROP SW.<br>A. L. HORTON NE.    CURTIS SPANGLER SE.<br>SPONSORED BY THE CHEROKEE LIONS CLUB</small></center></blockquote>
 
'''It read:'''
{|style="border-style: solid; border-width: 8px; color: black; background-color: #ffffcc; width: 30%;"
|
<center><small>YOU ARE NOW ENTERING<br>BUZZARD ROOST BRIDGE<br>OLDEST COVERED BRIDGE IN ALABAMA BUILT 1820<br>RESTORED AND MAINTAINED BY<br>COUNTY BOARD OF REVENUE<br>GRESHAM HALE CHAIRMAN<br>PAUL KEETON NW.  CARL WALDROP SW.<br>A. L. HORTON NE.    CURTIS SPANGLER SE.<br>SPONSORED BY THE CHEROKEE LIONS CLUB</small></center>
|}


The bridge was damaged by floodwaters in [[1965]] and again restored by the County, with new abutments and concrete piles. It was later entrusted to the care of the National Park Service as part of the Natchez Trace Parkway.
The bridge was damaged by floodwaters in [[1965]] and again restored by the County, with new abutments and concrete piles. It was later entrusted to the care of the National Park Service as part of the Natchez Trace Parkway.


The bridge was destroyed by arson in on [[July 15]], [[1972]].
The bridge was destroyed by arson on [[July 15]], [[1972]].


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Colbert County]]
[[Category:Colbert County]]
[[Category:1860 buildings]]
[[Category:1860 buildings]]
[[Category:Demolished buildings]]
[[Category:Burned buildings]]

Latest revision as of 22:54, 19 May 2020

Buzzard Roost Bridge, c. 1960s

Buzzard Roost Bridge or Buzzard's Roost Bridge was a 94-foot, three-span covered bridge located over Buzzard's Roost Creek at Chicsa Road or Allsboro Road off U. S. Highway 72 near Cherokee in Colbert County.

Local residents believe it was originally constructed about 1820, the same year that Ithiel Town of Connecticut patented the Town lattice truss that was employed in its construction. It is more likely that the bridge was built, or re-built, about 1860.

In 1955 a large sign was erected above at least one end of the bridge.

It read:

YOU ARE NOW ENTERING
BUZZARD ROOST BRIDGE
OLDEST COVERED BRIDGE IN ALABAMA BUILT 1820
RESTORED AND MAINTAINED BY
COUNTY BOARD OF REVENUE
GRESHAM HALE CHAIRMAN
PAUL KEETON NW. CARL WALDROP SW.
A. L. HORTON NE. CURTIS SPANGLER SE.
SPONSORED BY THE CHEROKEE LIONS CLUB

The bridge was damaged by floodwaters in 1965 and again restored by the County, with new abutments and concrete piles. It was later entrusted to the care of the National Park Service as part of the Natchez Trace Parkway.

The bridge was destroyed by arson on July 15, 1972.

References

  • Prince, A. G. (1981) Alabama's Covered Bridges: Past and Present. revised edition. Ensley: Best Printing Service