Clarkson's Covered Bridge

Saturday, May 4 (cont'd)

There are a lot of lakes created by dammed rivers along here.  Lots of recreational areas, boat houses, etc.  It's a very pretty area! 

We are now catching the edge of our storm.  I'm sure it must have a name, its lingered so long!

And here we are at our second destination of today, Clarkson's covered bridge.

Clarkson’s covered bridge in Cullman County Alabama  was first built in 1904.  It is a unique truss bridge that stretches 270 feet over Crooked Creek.  A Civil War Battle, the Battle of Hog Mountain, was fought here on April 30, 1863. Civil War artifacts are often found near here. 

In 1921, a huge storm snapped it in half, with half being carried down river.  They found it, salvaged the pieces, and put it back together for $1500. The unique design is called a lattice truss.  Steel bolts  were used instead of oak pegs.  The Master Builder  John Goodwin had a partnership with Horace King, an  ex slave. King worked 25 years for Goodwin and 30 on his own. He is responsible for 125 bridges  of this type in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.

Why are covered bridges covered?  John asked this question, and the answer is to protect the trusses.  Without protection, they deteriorate in about 10 years.  Covered, they last many years longer.  

As part of a civil war commemoration, this grist mill was built to include in the park.

And a Dog Trot Cabin

This was a very popular cabin style, two sides with breezeway in between.   It was developed in Kentucky and Tennessee.   It consists of two log cabins connected by a "dogtrot."   One cabin is used for cooking,  the other for a bedroom.   

It has a chimney at the end of both houses.

When we were getting ready to leave, I turned around to see John with this little dog standing behind him.  He always seems to attract stray dogs and cats wherever we go.  This little dog had been following us.  We talked to the two other groups who were at the bridge, but he didn't belong to either of them.  

Cute little guy with a collar, but no name tag on it.

As John started up the truck, the dog moved under the truck.  Another man and I were trying to coax him out to no avail.

Then the man went around to the other side of the truck, grabbed the dog from behind, and tucked him under his arm.  He and his wife were discussing what to do next as we drove away.