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Campbell’s Covered Bridge

SC PICTURE PROJECT 30 Comments

SC Picture Project / Greenville County / Campbell’s Covered Bridge

Campbell’s Covered Bridge is the last remaining covered bridge in South Carolina. It was built in 1909 and is located in Greenville County near the small town of Gowensville.

Campbell's Covered Bridge at Dusk

Jennifer Kouyoumjian of Travelers Rest, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

One of four covered bridges built in northeastern Greenville County in the early 20th century, this one was named for Lafayette Campbell, the owner of a nearby grist mill who allowed his land to be used for the bridge’s construction.

Campbell's Covered Bridge Landscape in Snow

Danielle Poore of Landrum, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

At the time, covered bridges were especially popular in the mountains because they provided extra protection for river and creek crossings in snow and ice. Easier access across the creeks in all kinds of weather significantly reduced travel time and helped connect the small communities scattered through this rural area.

Campbell's Bridge Springtime

Stephen McCloskey of Irmo, 2016 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Among the many benefits, and perhaps foremost in the mind of Lafayette Campbell, was the fact that it was easier for farmers to bring their corn to his mill.

Campbell's Covered Bridge, Gowensville, Fall

Tim Ashcroft of Greenville, 2017 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

The Campbell Covered Bridge site is now owned by Greenville County. It was permanently closed to traffic in the early 1980s. Major restorations have been undertaken twice, first in 1964 and again in 1990.

Campbell's Covered Bridge

Timothy Harris of Taylors, 2017 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

As you enter the bridge, a marker reads: “This bridge, built in 1909, is the last extant covered bridge in S.C. Built by Charles Irwin Willis (1878–1966), it was named for Alexander Lafayette Campbell (1836–1920), who owned and operated a grist mill here for many years. Measuring 35 feet long and 12 feet wide, it is an excellent example of a four-span Howe truss, featuring diagonal timbers and vertical iron rods.”

Campbell's Covered Bridge Interior

Jennifer Kouyoumjian of Travelers Rest, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Campbell’s Covered Bridge is listed in the National Register:

Campbell’s Covered Bridge, built in 1909, is significant for its role in transportation in early twentieth century Greenville County and as an excellent intact example of a Howe truss covered bridge, the only surviving covered bridge in the state. Charles Irwin Willis, an accomplished local builder in the northern part of Greenville County, built the bridge. The bridge was named for Alexander Lafayette Campbell, local landowner and millwright who lived at the site and operated a corn grist mill about 50 feet downstream from the bridge. The bridge was one of four covered bridges built in this part of northern Greenville County in the first decade of the twentieth century. Campbell’s Covered Bridge was the largest and most sophisticated of the four.

The construction of this bridge connected several rural communities and small towns in the immediate vicinity, so that a 25-mile trip which had once taken a full day before the bridge was completed could be made in about an hour afterwards. Campbell’s Covered Bridge is a four-span Howe truss bridge with counter braces. The two outer spans are 9’ long and the two inner spans are 8’ long. Each truss is 4” x 8”, and each counter brace is made from 2” x 8” pine boards nailed together in an interlocking pattern. Vertical tie rods called kingposts, made from 1” diameter iron rods, are in between each span, tying the top and bottom chords together. This method of truss construction absorbs and transfers a passing vehicle’s weight to the rock abutments on each end of the bridge. The bridge is 35’ long by 12’ wide and has a metal roof.

More Pictures of Campbell’s Covered Bridge


Campbell's Covered Bridge in Snw

Danielle Poore of Landrum, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Campbells Covered Bridge Fall

Charles Hardin of Taylors © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Campbells Covered Bridge Snow

Charles Hardin of Taylors © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Campbell's Covered Bridge Interior

Jim Jenkins of Chesterfield, 2016 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Campbell's Covered Bridge Park Setting

Jennifer Kouyoumjian of Travelers Rest, 2018 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Campbell's Covered Bridge in Greenville

David Vanover of Boiling Springs, 2010 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Campbell's Covered Bridge Painting

Thomas Fulton of Walterboro, 2012 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Campbell's Covered Bridge in Snow

Charles Payne of Rock Hill, 2015 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Campbell's Covered Bridge

Timothy Harris of Rock Hill, 2017 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Campbell's Covered Bridge

Paula Canine of Pawleys Island, 2017 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

campbells-bridge-creek

Steven Faucette of Williamston, © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

campbells-covered-bridge-marker

Vincent Flores of Greer, 2010 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Campbell's Covered Bridge

Peter Krenn of Rock Hill, 2014 © Do Not Use Without Written Consent

Campbell’s Covered Bridge Info


Address: 171 Campbell Covered Bridge Road, Landrum, SC 29456
GPS Coordinates: 35.085771,-82.264147

Campbell’s Covered Bridge Map



Take Me There

Plan Your Trip: Campbell’s Covered Bridge

Where is Campbell’s Covered Bridge located?
Address: 171 Campbell Covered Bridge Road, Landrum, SC 29356
GPS Coordinates: 35.085771,-82.264147
Website: http://greenvillerec.com/parks/campbells-covered-bridge
What else should I see?
Our Lady of Vietnam Park 4.5 miles
Gowensville Community Center 5 miles
Gowensville First Baptist Church 5.1 miles
SC Highway 11 5.5 miles
Show me more like this!
  • See other South Carolina Bridges
  • See other South Carolina National Register
    Campbell’s Covered Bridge Map

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Franklin E. Painter says

      March 8, 2020 at 5:37 PM

      Martha, my mother, walked this bridge in the early ’40s. She’s 82 now and remembers it well.

      Reply
    2. Pat Stokes says

      May 28, 2018 at 12:27 PM

      I love the bridge and would like to buy note cards of Cambell Bridge. I grew up in the area but have been gone from SC for years.

      Reply
    3. James says

      August 12, 2016 at 8:53 PM

      Does anyone know if it’s possible to fly a small drone there to shoot HD video of this covered bridge? A good time when no one is around the bridge for safety purposes. It would be a great “point of interest” subject if possible?

      Reply
      • Jim says

        October 31, 2016 at 5:33 PM

        Absolutely

        Reply
    4. Misty A says

      June 27, 2016 at 8:48 AM

      Can someone direct me to the person I would need to contact in regards of doing a small wedding here? I can’t find much information on it.

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        June 27, 2016 at 9:13 AM

        Hi, Misty. A link above the map on the page should direct you to someone who can answer your questions about private use of the bridge. Good luck!

        Reply
    5. Rick Campbell says

      June 9, 2016 at 2:25 AM

      My people know how to build a bridge…:)

      Reply
    6. Leon R Field says

      May 24, 2016 at 11:08 PM

      Sherry Vanburen, dogs are allowed if on a leash, We like to take Poppy to Poinsett Bridge as we let her loose if no one else is there. We take the 25 minute ride just to go out there. We usually go during the week as we find ourselves there alone. If no one is around we let her loose as she listens good. Have to keep an eye out in case someone shows up than we use leash. May get busy now that school will be out soon. Worth a ride out to check. Let me know how you like either if you go.

      Reply
    7. Sherry Vanburen says

      May 24, 2016 at 10:49 PM

      Was this a good stop for your dog? Finding it difficult to find much about it online, regarding bringing the pooch.

      Reply
    8. Leon R Field says

      February 29, 2016 at 3:48 PM

      Heading there today with my Lady and my Poppy (boxer/hound).

      Reply
    9. Lillie Redd says

      February 8, 2015 at 2:09 AM

      This is beautiful. I enjoyed looking at the pictures.

      Reply
    10. Norm Neal says

      April 29, 2014 at 6:53 PM

      This was built by my great, great grandfather. Glad everyone is able to enjoy it as we did growing up!

      Reply
    11. Teresa Smith says

      December 23, 2013 at 10:32 AM

      I have special memories for the bridge and surrounding grounds because of my grandparents, J.D.Smith and Belle Smith, whose former home is now the park. I played on that bridge and in the creek as a little girl. Their youngest son, Louis, is my dad, and my mom and dad had their first kiss on this bridge. Such special memories for our family.

      Reply
    12. Mariah Gray says

      November 17, 2013 at 9:56 AM

      I am wondering if I have to have permission to take family photos for a family on the bridge or property this weekend. I do not want to do the session for the family if it would be illegal to have the bridge in their family pictures or if they use them for Christmas cards. If I do need permission, can you please direct me to who I need to contact. Thanks so much!

      Reply
      • Jim says

        October 31, 2016 at 5:34 PM

        It’s a park you should have no problems

        Reply
    13. Destini Petitt says

      October 17, 2013 at 3:02 PM

      This place is beautiful! I was wanting to know if it were open for small weddings (between 25-100 people)? Thanks!

      Reply
    14. Marjorie Smith Ward says

      June 17, 2013 at 11:49 AM

      I believe this is a family member. I do not have access to my family information right now, but I am pretty sure. Just amazing.

      Reply
    15. Lorene Fox says

      February 27, 2013 at 10:56 AM

      I visited this wonderful bridge and took some great pics… There were two families there at the same time getting family pics done, I waited my turn to take pics of this historical bridge… It is a very peaceful place… I would love to post my pics on here to share.

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        February 27, 2013 at 8:15 PM

        Lorene, that would be great! Here is the form where you can submit your pictures to the SC Picture Project:

        https://www.sciway.net/forms/pictures.html

        Reply
    16. Jean Taylor says

      July 5, 2012 at 4:26 PM

      I think it is a very beautiful place. So peaceful and quiet. A very nice place to take photos at too. I love it there…

      Reply
    17. Angela Blacklock-Brown says

      June 6, 2012 at 2:42 PM

      I would like to write a poem about this and would appreciate some feedback. Thank you

      Reply
      • SCIWAY says

        June 6, 2012 at 2:54 PM

        Hi Angela – that sounds like an interesting idea and we would enjoy reading it!

        Reply
    18. Angela Blacklock-Brown says

      June 6, 2012 at 2:40 PM

      I visited this bridge with family who lived in Greenville, probably around 2005. It seemed a beautiful place until we discovered the remains of a house which appeared to have been razed to the ground. One thing which disturbed me was a statue of Christ with one arm missing and a garland of flowers draped over it. I’m from Scotland and that image has stayed with me. Does anyone have an explanation?

      Reply
    19. Rebecca Clark says

      May 28, 2012 at 7:15 AM

      Saw the sign on the way home from Greenville Highland games. It was a sunny beautiful day and the 11 mile drive from 25 was so pretty. There wasn’t a soul there when we were there, and it was surreal – so postcard perfect and pristine. We walked down to the river, and walked on the rock beds and just soaked in the quiet beauty. Thank you Greenville!

      Reply
    20. janice Urciuoli says

      May 27, 2012 at 8:16 AM

      I moved to North Carolina 4 years ago and now have lots of visitors from up north. While showing them the sights last week we saw the sign on Highway 25 and followed it to this lovely bridge. We had a picnic lunch with us and enjoyed the beautiful day. Be sure to bring a camera, our pictures came out great. I hope this beautiful bridge is here for many more years for others to enjoy.

      Reply
    21. Lydia Deaton says

      May 7, 2012 at 12:17 PM

      We had passed the sign many times. Decided it was time to take a look at a covered bridge. It was worth the short trip to such a delightful spot. I felt like I was in New England.It is a beautiful place to take the children or just spend quiet moments. Thanks Greenville, for this beautiful place.

      Reply
    22. Julia Turner says

      November 5, 2011 at 11:49 AM

      Visited the bridge yesterday on a clear fall afternoon. It is a quiet place, and has some adjacent trails. It would be a nice place to spend a few hours for a picnic lunch.

      Reply
    23. Jerry Campbell says

      October 27, 2011 at 8:48 PM

      I was very pleased to see your coverage and pictures of the Campbell Covered Bridge. We visit the site about once a year and enjoy the views of and around the bridge. My father was Byrd B.Campbell, Sr. and the son of Lafayette Campbell. Thank you for providing good information and pictures and for keeping the site updated and current.

      Reply
    24. Linda Hill says

      September 15, 2011 at 1:10 PM

      My husband and I happened to see the sign for Campbell Covered Bridge on our way back from Hendersonville, NC on Highway 25. We decided to go and take a look at it since we were in no hurry to get back home. We both loved it. It is such a beautiful bridge and it was so peaceful around it. We hope to come back again soon and bring our grandsons with us. Hearing the sounds of the creek were so soothing and it would be the perfect place for a picnic. We hope Greenville County will keep the property in good shape. We both felt like we had taken a step back in history. Again, we loved it!

      Reply
    25. Dave Lipstreu says

      June 28, 2011 at 9:22 AM

      Beautiful picture of a classic structure! Too bad it’s the last one in the state. Hopefully Greenville County will continue to place a high priority on the maintenance of this historic bridge!

      Reply

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