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Clarkson Covered Bridge
Description
Historic Clarkson Covered Bridge spans 270
feet over Crooked Creek in west Cullman County. This truss bridge, a type invented in the
United States, was originally built in 1904. It was destroyed by a flood in 1921 and
rebuilt the following year.
The wood planks used on either side of the structure are placed in a lattice pattern. In
conjunction with the vertical forces used on the abutments, the lattice design allows the
bridge to withstand an excessive amount of weight.
The Civil War skirmish known as the Battle of Hog Mountain was fought at the site of
Clarkson Covered Bridge on April 30, 1863. On June 25, 1974, the site was named to the
National Register of Historic Places.
The Cullman County Commission and the citizens of Cullman restored the site in 1975 for
the American Revolution Bicentennial Project. A park with shaded picnic grounds was added
along with the Dogtrot Log Cabin, a gristmill and hiking trails. |
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