Near Springfield in Washington County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Mt. Zion Covered Bridge
(Reverse) Covered Bridges - Covered bridges were first built in the 1790s but did not become widely popular until after 1814. They were covered to protect them from the weather. At one time there were more than 400 covered bridges in Ky. The timbered spans have played a romantic role in our history. Some were destroyed during the Civil War. The remaining ones are a nostalgic link with the past.
Erected by Kentucky Historical Society & Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1581.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. In addition, it is included in the Covered Bridges series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 6, 1871.
Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 37° 49.672′ N, 85° 15.424′ W. Marker was near Springfield, Kentucky, in Washington County. Marker was on Mt. Zion Road (Kentucky Route 458), on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Springfield KY 40069, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies. Kincheloe's Station (approx. 5 miles away); Grundy Plantation / Felix Grundy (approx. 5 miles away); The Lincolns Move West (approx. 5.2 miles away); The Berry Cabin (approx. 5.2 miles away); The Nancy Hanks Memorial (approx. 5.2 miles away); The Lincoln Cabin (approx. 5.2 miles away); Lincoln Homestead State Park (approx. 5.2 miles away); a different marker also named Lincoln Cabin (approx. 5.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.
Additional commentary.
1. Bridge destroyed by 2021 fire/arson
I saw on here that the marker is reportedly gone. The bridge itself is now gone (lost to fire 3/9/2021).
The fire had to be intentionally set because there isn't anything nearby that could have ignited it. It would be way too difficult to "accidentally" set a fire capable of destroying this bridge completely. That could only happen if there had already been a severe and prolonged heatwave affecting the area for a while.
I don't know if the marker is still there or not. I've only been by there a time or two since the fire and wasn't looking for the marker.
— Submitted December 15, 2023, by Brian Lockett of Fairfield, Kentucky.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 398 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 12, 2018, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.