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Bridges Cartersville The Cartersville Bridge spans the James River between the counties of Cumberland and Goochland on Route 45. The first bridge was a one-lane wooden covered bridge built in 1822 and used until it collapsed 20 years later. In 1842 the second bridge was built, but it was destroyed during the Civil War. A ferry was operated until the completion of the third bridge in 1884. It proved to be a rare example of composite construction as it survived Hurricane Camille's flooding in 1969 which sent two feet of water over the roadway. However, in 1972, Tropical storm Agnes destroyed the bridge leaving only the 150-year old piers and abutments and two timber and iron spans of the 1884 construction. The present bridge was completed in 1974. Thanks to the efforts of interested citizens of both Cumberland and Goochland Counties, the remains of the 1884 bridge have been preserved as the last major timber bridge across the James River. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Virginia Landmarks Register. Fowlk's Fowlk's bridge is a steel bridge crossing the Appomattox River between the counties of Cumberland and Amelia on Route 621 (Brook Hill Road). It is frequently closed due to high water. High Bridge Railroad High Bridge railroad trestle spans the Appomattox River between the counties of Cumberland and Prince Edward. The original bridge was erected in 1853 during the construction of the first railroad from City Point to Lynchburg. It varied in height from 60 feet at the abutment to 125 feet at the river and spanned 2,400 feet from end to end resting on 21 brick piers. It was once considered the longest and tallest bridge in the world. The original piers which remain today once supported a wooden superstructure that was partially burned by the retreating Confederates in 1865. An all steel bridge was built in 1912, but only its upper trestle is viewable by the public today from Route 600 (River Road). After the steel bridge was completed, the old bridge's super-structure was dismantled; and its brick piers were left as the only reminders of the former Southside Railroad Company. This is Stop #18 on Virginia's Route of Lee's Retreat located on Route 600 five miles north of Route 45. Stoney Point Stoney Point Bridge is a steel bridge joining the counties of Cumberland and Amelia on Route 620 known as Stoney Point Mill Lane. The bridge is frequently closed due to flooding of the approaches. Swinging Bridges There are two swinging foot bridges crossing the Willis River in the Cumberland State Forest. Both bridges consist of horizontal cables above and below and plank flooring and woven wire sides. One is located on the forest's Warner Road off Route 623 (Sugar Fork Road). This bridge has several wooden steps leading to the bridge. The other bridge is located on the forest's Arrowhead Road near Arrowhead Lake. Both of these bridges are subject to damages from high water and vandalism. They are maintained by the Virginia State Forestry and mostly used by hunters and forestry personnel |
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This site was developed as part of a U.S. Department of Commerce TOP grant awarded to the Blacksburg Electronic Village and the Virginia Cooperative Extension. Comments or questions about this site should be sent to Cumberland Comments. Comments or questions about BEV in a Box should be sent to BEV Comments. |
