LaGrange in Troup County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Horace King Bridge Builder

Photographed By David Seibert, August 24, 2009

1. Horace King Bridge Builder Marker

Inscription. Born a slave September 8, 1807, Horace King became a noted builder of covered bridges and public buildings. His talents developed under the instruction of his master and friend, John Godwin. In 1846, Godwin secured King’s freedom through the Alabama Legislature. King used the Town lattice truss design on bridges throughout the South. With his sons, he built at least four bridges across the Chattahoochee River in Troup County. King served two terms in the Alabama Legislature before moving to LaGrange in 1873. He lived with his family in the King Street area, which was named for King and son Marshall. King died May 28, 1885 and is buried near the Confederate Cemetery on Miller Street.

Erected 1989 by Historic Chattahoochee Commission and the Troup County Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Bridges & Viaducts • Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Covered Bridges series list. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1812.

Location. 33° 2.447′ N, 85° 1.207′ W. Marker is in LaGrange, Georgia, in Troup County. Marker is at the intersection of Greenville Street and Horace King Street, on the right when traveling east on Greenville Street

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. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lagrange GA 30241, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. East Depot High School (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lynching in America / Raising a Voice Against Racial Violence (approx. half a mile away); Troup County Academy (approx. 0.6 miles away); George Michael Troup (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Nancy Harts (approx. 0.6 miles away); First flag flown at this site (approx. 0.6 miles away); Gilbert du Motier Marquis de LaFayette (approx. 0.7 miles away); Lafayette (approx. 0.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in LaGrange.

Regarding Horace King Bridge Builder. Horace King is the best known covered bridge builder in Georgia, but only one bridge he built is still standing, and it is inaccessible (moved to and in storage at Callaway Gardens). Most of the "Horace King Bridges" extant were built by his son Washington, who took over the Bridge Company after Horace King's death.

Photographed By David Seibert, August 24, 2009

2. Horace King Bridge Builder Marker

Looking north; Greenville Street is to the rear, and Horace King Street to the right (at the traffic signal).

Photographed By David Seibert, August 24, 2009

3. Horace King Bridge Builder Marker

Looking south; Horace King Street is to the left

The Harmony Road Covered Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Unknown

4. The Harmony Road Covered Bridge

The Harmony Road bridge, in Troup County, was built by Horace King and his sons. It no longer stands (although it is possible this is the bridge moved to Callaway Gardens). This photo postcard, with no identification of the photographer, is from the David Seibert collection.

Lancaster Covered Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Unknown

5. Lancaster Covered Bridge

The Lancaster bridge, in Troup County, was built by Horace King and his sons. It no longer stands. This photo postcard, with no identification of the photographer, is from the David Seibert collection.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 2,776 times since then and 65 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 7, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.