Near Dover in Mason County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)

Dover Covered Bridge

500 ft. South

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 13, 2019

1. Dover Covered Bridge Marker

Inscription. One of the oldest covered bridges in Kentucky still in use. Erected in 1835, it was originally a toll bridge. The 62-foot span was built in an unusual Queenspost truss design similar to early barn construction. Major repairs were made by Bower Bridge Co. in 1928. Restoration of bridge completed by the Kentucky Highway Department, 1966.

Erected 1972 by Kentucky Historical Society and Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 1439.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Bridges & Viaducts. In addition, it is included in the Covered Bridges, and the Kentucky Historical Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.

Location. 38° 45.103′ N, 83° 52.666′ W. Marker is near Dover, Kentucky, in Mason County. Marker is at the intersection of Mary Ingles Highway (Kentucky Route 8) and Lees Creek Road, on the right when traveling east on Mary Ingles Highway. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dover KY 41034, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Castro-Metcalfe Duel (approx. 0.9 miles away); Ripley / The John P. Parker House (approx. 1½ miles away in Ohio); John P. Parker’s Early Life (approx. 1½ miles away in

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Ohio); John Parker’s Path (approx. 1½ miles away in Ohio); The John P. Parker Family (approx. 1.6 miles away in Ohio); John P. Parker Memorial Park (approx. 1.6 miles away in Ohio); John P. Parker (approx. 1.6 miles away in Ohio); a different marker also named John P. Parker (approx. 1.6 miles away in Ohio).

Regarding Dover Covered Bridge. Total length 61 feet. Deck width 11.8 feet. Vertical clearance 10 feet. In service until 2005.

Also see . . . Wikipedia entry for Lee’s Creek Covered Bridge. “Many reasons have been offered to explain the construction of covered bridges in Kentucky during the 19th century. Roads across the bridges were kept dry and free of snow in winter. The protection the cover provided against wood deterioration was likely most important. The cover allowed timbered trusses and braces to season properly and kept water out of the joints, prolonging the life by seven to eight times that of an uncovered bridge.” (Submitted on July 8, 2019.)

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 13, 2019

2. Dover Covered Bridge Marker

Lee Creek and Dover Covered Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 13, 2019

3. Lee Creek and Dover Covered Bridge

This view is from the 2005 replacement bridge.

Dover Covered Bridge, South Portal image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J. J. Prats, June 13, 2019

4. Dover Covered Bridge, South Portal

The roadway to the bridge is overgrown. Bridge is full of construction materials. Signs read “Warning. Keep Out. No Admittance.”

Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 183 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 8, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.