Covered Bridges

People + Bridges = History

Writer/Photos Dwaine Phifer

Rivers, streams, and lakes have always played a vital historic role in shaping life as we know it in North Carolina. If a river or creek was too deep, wide, or dangerously turbulent, it became an obstacle. Native Americans and then early European settlers crossed major water barriers where massive herds of large animals, such as bison, had beaten trails to a few reliable spots. Shallow Ford on the Yadkin River between Forsyth and Yadkin counties, near northern Davie County, is such a place. As more and more settlers arrived in NC river valleys, the need for dependable access to areas divided by deep, troublesome, or hazardous water grew. Bridges became essential.

The use of wood, whether logs piled in a water way or carefully hewn timbers wrestled into place for a bank-to-bank bridge became a practical solution. Unprotected wooden structures, however—especially when exposed to frequent soakings—decompose rather quickly. To help protect the vital structure of bridges from deterioration, bridge builders soon recognized the advantage of sheltering exposed wood.

According to most current building experts, untreated exposed wood remains serviceable for about 15 years. The addition of a roof over a wooden bridge kept wooden bridges dry and safe to cross year after year. Several categories of bridges with covers thus became noteworthy resources as well as picturesque landscape fixtures. For a covered bridge to be recognized today as a historically authentic covered bridge, trusses—not stringers—must support the shingled roof.

Folks across the Yadkin Valley are fortunate to be relatively near both of the two remaining authentic NC historic covered bridges. The Bunker Hill Bridge (1895) is located two miles east of Claremont, NC: 4180 E US Highway 70. Watch for a highway marker. With a lot of generous community support and detailed planning, the bridge is now the centerpiece of a park with a picnic area and a walking path alongside the splashing, gurgling Lyles’ Creek. Porta toilets were onsite in early 2023.

The Mt. Pisgah Covered Bridge (1911) is located southwest of the NC Zoo. Look for the historic marker on Hwy. 74/73. Unlike the Bunker Hill Covered Bridge, careful navigation savvy and vigilant attention to numerous turn signs are required. The Mt. Pisgah Bridge is also situated in a rural area: 6875 Pisgah Covered Bridge Rd, Asheboro, NC. In 2003, the original bridge was unfortunately destroyed by a flood. Dedicated folks rose to the challenge of getting the bridge back to its previous glory. Fortunately, almost all historically original material was rescued and used. Both major NC treasures still stand to welcome today’s visitors.

These covered bridges, though, are now bridges to nowhere. Each still spans its boisterous, splashing waterway. The Bunker Hill Bridge, over Lyle’s Creek, ends a short dis- tance from a tangle of tall grasses, briars, and young trees. The exit-end of the Mt. Pisgah Bridge, over the west fork of the Little River, is situated beside a major highway embankment topped with a guardrail. In early 2023, caretakers of the Mt. Pisgah Bridge renewed mulched areas and planted new flowering plants. The walk along a tidy footpath, looping around through the trees beside the gurgling and splashing river, gives one a sense of unhurried solitude. The picnic area is ideal for lunch or just enjoying the sound of the river. No restroom facilities were onsite in early 2023.

Unfortunately, and regrettably, interiors of both bridges are victims of spray-paint vandals. As Thomas Fuller (1608-1661), the British author and wit, noted: “Fools’ names, like fools’ faces, often are seen in public places.” Sadly, some things have not changed in over 360 years! On a positive note, both bridges, when viewed from afar, still serve as inspiring historic sentinels to truly creative genius and dedicated problem-solving.

Committed, willing, and devoted people-—past and present—are responsible for the preservation of these two valuable NC iconic treasures. Continued public support of these outstanding authentic NC gems ensures both bridges remain as sentinels dedicated to historic value and preservation efforts. Applaud the Yadkin Valley people, past and present, responsible for conserving historic and iconic structures. Both bridge sites have important information displays regarding history and preservation efforts. These two remarkable surviving links to yesteryear, for just awhile, can offer a soothing metaphoric bridge over the troubled waters of the frantic and frenzied day-today pace of 2023 and beyond. Maybe May/June would be just the time to pack a lunch—using YVM recipes of course—and visit one (or both) bridges.

FREE ADMISSION!

FAMILY FRIENDLY!

WWW.MOUNTAIRYDOWNTOWN.ORG

TRACTOR PARADE

FRIDAY, MAY 19TH 6PM

KID’S PARADE TO FOLLOW!

GRAND MARSHAL;

MT. HIGH SCHOOL FFA

MUSIC & DANCING

@MAYBERRY FARM FEST

Brought to you by:

Scenic Automotive Group

AGRICULTURE, CRAFT & FOOD VENDORS

FACE PAINTING, ANIMALS, INFLATABLES, PONY RIDES MORE KID’S ACTIVITIES

Mayberry Farm Fest is supported in part by a grant from the NC Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources

Mount Airy Saw and Mower

Rogers Realty & Auction Southern States • Eagle Carports

Mt Airy Equipment Co., Inc

Carolina Farm Credit

John B Phillips, State Farm

NC Cooperative Extension

Mount Airy Downtown Business Assoc Surry Arts Council

Sauratown Trails Association & Make a Wish Foundation Partner!

For the fifth year The Sauratown Trails Association will play host to the Trailblaze Challenge a fund raising event for The Make A Wish Foundation of Eastern North Carolina. This event raises $250,000-300,000 each year and makes it possible to grant wishes to children with life threatening illnesses. The Sauratown Trails is a 22 mile trail that connects Pilot Mountain State Park to Hanging Rock State Park. STA president Phil Barber stated, “The trail is mostly on private land and only made possible by the generosity of our landowners.” What better way to repay that generosity than to partner with MAW and help these children and their parents. The Sauratown Trails is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. You can get more information at Sauratown Trails Association.org or on Facebook and Instagram. For more information on a Trailblaze challenge please contact the Make A Wish Foundation in your area.