Euharlee Creek Bridge

Except for some graffiti on one end of the bridge, this covered bridge, in the Bartow County town of Euharlee (approximately 45 minutes drive northwest of Atlanta), has been well maintained by the local folks. In 1997, a museum opened in the old cow shed near the bridge. The museum (free, but they appreciate donations) houses memorabilia about the bridge and the city of Euharlee.

The museum is open 12-5 Monday thru Friday. Though it is closed on weekends, if you call ahead (Euharlee City Hall, 770-386-1542), the staff will open it at special hours for groups.

The bridge is located adjacent to the ruins of an old mill once owned and operated by Daniel Lowry, who owned most of the land around the bridge. Lowry also allowed the builders to use rock from his land to build the piers of the bridge after high water swept a previous, lower bridge away. According to Thomas and Edward French in Covered Bridges of Georgia "He also helped to rebuild the wooden structure. Due to the fact the bridge was swept from its foundation and perhaps came to rest against the mill's south wall, it may have been salvaged. This could account for the numbering of the web members of the town lattice trusses."

According to the North Georgia Journal, the previous bridge collapse caused the death of a local man, Mr. Nelson, a mule and a horse. Mr. Nelson two young sons emerged from the disaster unscathed. This led to the eventual construction of the present, much sturdier bridge by W.W. King (with perhaps some help from his father though Horace was ill at the time). The maker's mark is still appears. The numbering scheme made assembly of the final parts easier.

This bridge is the centerpiece of a local covered bridge festival during the Labor Day weekend. Check out Euharlee's web site for more information.

Facts

• County: Bartow 
• Other names: Lowry Bridge
• Length: 137.6 ft.
• Width: 16.35 ft.
• Built: 1886
• Builder: Washington W. King
• Truss: Town lattice
• Stream: Euharlee Creek
• Road name: Adjacent to County Road 30
• Traffic: No
• WGCB Number: 10-08-01
• Parking: Yes
• Picnic Area: Lots of grass, no tables
• Historic marker: Yes
• Owner: Bartow County