Munfordville in Hart County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
L&N Railroad Bridge
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, January 25, 2011
1. L&N Railroad Bridge Marker
The railroad bridge over the Green River stands a quarter mile to the southwest. Constructed 1857-59 by engineer Albert Fink, the bridge was at the time the largest iron bridge in the United States, with a total length of 1,800 ft. Stonemasons John W. Key & sons built the piers from local limestone. Over.
The L&N railroad bridge became vital in the Civil War. Two battles were fought here for control of this major link. Confederate General Simon B. Buckner ordered Key to destroy two spans to prevent Union use. Bridge repaired by Union and later reengineered. Over.
Presented by Munfordville Tourism Commission.
Erected 2004 by Kentucky Historical Society / Kentucky Department of Highways. (Marker Number 2160.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Kentucky Historical Society series list.
Location. 37° 16.189′ N, 85° 53.234′ W. Marker is in Munfordville, Kentucky, in Hart County. Marker is at the intersection of Dixie Highway / Main Street (U.S. 31W) and Bridge Street, on the left when traveling south on Dixie Highway / Main Street
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Return of the Natives (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Old Munford Inn (about 500 feet away); Thelma Hawkins Stovall (about 600 feet away); Amos' Ferry (about 700 feet away); Living on the Land (about 700 feet away); The Pump Tower (approx. 0.2 miles away); Pontooniers! (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hart County One-Room Schools (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Munfordville.
Additional commentary.
1. The railroad bridge
The railroad bridge is approximately 0.9 mile southwest of the marker and can be seen to the south when crossing the US 31W bridge. The location noted on the marker was the crossing of the L&N Turnpike bridge, not the railroad.
— Submitted February 2, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama.
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, January 25, 2011
2. L&N Railroad Bridge Marker
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, January 25, 2011
3. L&N Railroad Bridge Marker
Looking south along US 31W and the Buckner Memorial Bridge.
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, January 25, 2011
4. L&N Turnpike Bridge support piers
Located near the Thelma Stovall Park at the end of River Road at the location described on the marker.
Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, January 25, 2011
5. L&N Turnpike Bridge support piers
Credits. This page was last revised on September 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on February 2, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. This page has been viewed 1,782 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 2, 2011, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
