Coheelee Creek Covered Bridge

I’m getting close to completing my tour of all the historic covered bridges in Georgia. While that makes me kinda sad, I’m also excited because there are many more covered bridges across the United States that I plan to explore. Although it was considerably out of the way, I decided to detour to Coheelee Creek covered bridge on our way back from Spring Break vacation in Tampa, Fl.
Built in 1891 for a total cost of $ 490.41, the bridge has two spans using a modified Queen post truss system and a total length of 96 feet. It is said to be the southernmost historic covered bridge in the United States.
It appears to be in decent condition, but it is not accessible for foot traffic due to huge gates protecting its entry point on both ends. On the northern end, there is a quaint park-​like setting with a few picnic tables below a field of shade trees. Just above the bridge is a rusted old sign that reads:
«Constructed in 1891, restored in 1994, please protect and enjoy this relic of the past — Early County Historical Society»
As the Coheelee Creek exits under the bridge on the west side, there is a small two foot drop in elevation creating a pleasant little waterfall cascade. While the scene here is ideal, I found it difficult to connect to the bridge, which is unusual for me. I wish our state celebrated its historic covered bridges and did more to protect and promote them. Even though this bridge is clearly monitored, it FEELS forgotten.
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Two interpretive marker at the west end of the bridge provides visitors with a little
history. One marker reads:
Constructed in 1891 by the Early County Commissioners, this relic of by-​gone days is the southernmost covered bridge in the United States. The bridge consists of two spans, measuring 96 feet in length. Of the queen-​post truss modified design, it stretches across Coheelee Creek with its picturesque waterfalls. The Fannie Askew Williams Park, a county maintained picnic area, is adjacent to the bridge. Coheelee Creek covered bridge is located two miles north of Georgia 62 on Old River Road. On May 13, 1976, it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places
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FINAL THOUGHTS
According to the other historic marker on the northern end of the bridge, a commission was appointed in May of 1883 to inquire of the practicality of constructing a covered bridge. However, the contract was not awarded until July of 1891, proving that «Red Tape» is as historic as some of our oldest structures, and just as long lasting as this bridge. I don’t know what red tape has caused this bridge to be closed off and left to be forgotten, but I hope it doesn’t fall into a severe state of disrepair.