There are many fine examples of the skill and talents Kentuckians have had over the years as they built our now historic buildings and structures. From country churches that have spanned over a century to tall, ornate buildings in our largest cities, the history of Kentucky can be found in these standing works of art. Another fascinating way to experience this is by visiting the several historic covered bridges throughout the Bluegrass. Considered to be the oldest covered bridge in Kentucky, the Dover Covered Bridge in Mason County has been through so much, yet still stands to this day.
There are many historic structures that have withstood the test of time in Kentucky, but not many have had to endure the same struggles as the Dover Covered Bridge.
Google/Clifton Dowers Estimated to have been built in 1835, it is known by many as the oldest covered bridge in Kentucky. It sits in the town of Dover, not far from the Ohio River and about 20 minutes from Maysville.
The Dover Bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
Google/Clifton Dowers It is an example of an unusual modified queen-post truss design as it sits above Lee’s Creek. Due to its age and location in an area known for flooding, it has been damaged and repaired many times over the years.
The bridge is 60 feet long and is truly a step back in time as it sits amongst trees over the scenic creek.
Wikipedia/Greg Hume While it doesn’t look like this right now due to construction, the county has worked hard over the years to preserve this historic gem.
The bridge was open to traffic for many years and it wasn’t until 2016 when it was officially closed.
Google/Clifton Dowers Flooding heavily damaged the bridge in July of 2016 when I-beams were washed away by the force of the water. But this bridge has many lives and somehow managed to stay standing.
These photos show the structure of the inside of the bridge and the incredible detail.
Youtube/Scott Wagner It’s amazing to think of the engineering and carpentry work that went into the formation of this bridge that has lasted nearly 200 years.
Today the bridge is being repaired and reinforced once again so that it can hopefully make it to that 200-year mark.
Youtube/Scott Wagner But it seems this bridge is a safe bet, as it has made it through incredible struggles from nature. And thanks to the community and those passionate about the history of our state, the oldest covered bridge in Kentucky remains standing.
See more of the Dover Covered Bridge in Kentucky in this short video of photos:
Google/Clifton Dowers
Estimated to have been built in 1835, it is known by many as the oldest covered bridge in Kentucky. It sits in the town of Dover, not far from the Ohio River and about 20 minutes from Maysville.
It is an example of an unusual modified queen-post truss design as it sits above Lee’s Creek. Due to its age and location in an area known for flooding, it has been damaged and repaired many times over the years.
Wikipedia/Greg Hume
While it doesn’t look like this right now due to construction, the county has worked hard over the years to preserve this historic gem.
Flooding heavily damaged the bridge in July of 2016 when I-beams were washed away by the force of the water. But this bridge has many lives and somehow managed to stay standing.
Youtube/Scott Wagner
It’s amazing to think of the engineering and carpentry work that went into the formation of this bridge that has lasted nearly 200 years.
But it seems this bridge is a safe bet, as it has made it through incredible struggles from nature. And thanks to the community and those passionate about the history of our state, the oldest covered bridge in Kentucky remains standing.
Covered bridges are a tangible example of our state’s history and the skill and work ethic of its residents. As the oldest covered bridge in Kentucky, Dover Covered Bridge has managed to remain standing since 1835, despite many near collapses and catastrophes. Have you seen this historic covered bridge in person? Have you seen any others in Kentucky? Let us know in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!
For more information on the history of the Dover Covered Bridge, check out this fascinating article from Maysville. And for another historic covered bridge in Kentucky, take a look at this scenic spot in Fleming County.
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Address: Dover Covered Bridge, Old Lee’s Creek Rd, Dover, KY 41034, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Dover Covered Bridge October 06, 2021 Beth C. What are some other covered bridges in Kentucky? There’s no denying the historical or architectural appeal of covered bridges. They can instantly take us back in time, showcasing a way of life that’s otherwise been forgotten. Fortunately, there are a handful of well-preserved covered bridges in Kentucky that we can still experience today. Some of these destinations include the Walcott Covered Bridge in Brooksville, Dover Covered Bridge, Cabin Creek Covered Bridge in Vanceburg, Goddard Covered Bridge in Hillsboro, Ringos Mill Covered Bridge in Hillsboro, Hillsboro Covered Bridge, and Johnson Creek Covered Bridge in Mount Olivet. Curious to see these bridges up close? You can check out our covered bridges day trip through Kentucky. Whether you’re interested in the history or the scenery, you won’t be disappointed by our itinerary! Does Kentucky have any ghost towns? You bet! If you’re someone interested in historic structures, you likely agree that there’s something positively spellbinding about ghost towns. One of the best examples of an abandoned ghost town in Kentucky is Blue Heron. Situated along the Big South Fork River, this once-thriving mining community is an eerie and haunting reminder of the past. Also known as Mine 18, Blue Heron was part of the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company. In 1962, operations stopped being profitable, and things quickly took a turn for the worse. If you’re interested in visiting this town today, you can experience a guided tour offered by the National Park Service. You’ll even get to experience accurate replicas of the mines that once existed here. Or, if you’re looking for an even more in-depth experience, you can take a ride on the Big South Fork Blue Heron Ghost Train to see the now abandoned camp. Learn more about what makes Blue Heron such a fascinating – and haunting – destination.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Dover Covered Bridge
October 06, 2021
Beth C.
What are some other covered bridges in Kentucky? There’s no denying the historical or architectural appeal of covered bridges. They can instantly take us back in time, showcasing a way of life that’s otherwise been forgotten. Fortunately, there are a handful of well-preserved covered bridges in Kentucky that we can still experience today. Some of these destinations include the Walcott Covered Bridge in Brooksville, Dover Covered Bridge, Cabin Creek Covered Bridge in Vanceburg, Goddard Covered Bridge in Hillsboro, Ringos Mill Covered Bridge in Hillsboro, Hillsboro Covered Bridge, and Johnson Creek Covered Bridge in Mount Olivet. Curious to see these bridges up close? You can check out our covered bridges day trip through Kentucky. Whether you’re interested in the history or the scenery, you won’t be disappointed by our itinerary! Does Kentucky have any ghost towns? You bet! If you’re someone interested in historic structures, you likely agree that there’s something positively spellbinding about ghost towns. One of the best examples of an abandoned ghost town in Kentucky is Blue Heron. Situated along the Big South Fork River, this once-thriving mining community is an eerie and haunting reminder of the past. Also known as Mine 18, Blue Heron was part of the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company. In 1962, operations stopped being profitable, and things quickly took a turn for the worse. If you’re interested in visiting this town today, you can experience a guided tour offered by the National Park Service. You’ll even get to experience accurate replicas of the mines that once existed here. Or, if you’re looking for an even more in-depth experience, you can take a ride on the Big South Fork Blue Heron Ghost Train to see the now abandoned camp. Learn more about what makes Blue Heron such a fascinating – and haunting – destination.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There’s no denying the historical or architectural appeal of covered bridges. They can instantly take us back in time, showcasing a way of life that’s otherwise been forgotten. Fortunately, there are a handful of well-preserved covered bridges in Kentucky that we can still experience today. Some of these destinations include the Walcott Covered Bridge in Brooksville, Dover Covered Bridge, Cabin Creek Covered Bridge in Vanceburg, Goddard Covered Bridge in Hillsboro, Ringos Mill Covered Bridge in Hillsboro, Hillsboro Covered Bridge, and Johnson Creek Covered Bridge in Mount Olivet. Curious to see these bridges up close? You can check out our covered bridges day trip through Kentucky. Whether you’re interested in the history or the scenery, you won’t be disappointed by our itinerary!
Does Kentucky have any ghost towns?
You bet! If you’re someone interested in historic structures, you likely agree that there’s something positively spellbinding about ghost towns. One of the best examples of an abandoned ghost town in Kentucky is Blue Heron. Situated along the Big South Fork River, this once-thriving mining community is an eerie and haunting reminder of the past. Also known as Mine 18, Blue Heron was part of the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company. In 1962, operations stopped being profitable, and things quickly took a turn for the worse. If you’re interested in visiting this town today, you can experience a guided tour offered by the National Park Service. You’ll even get to experience accurate replicas of the mines that once existed here. Or, if you’re looking for an even more in-depth experience, you can take a ride on the Big South Fork Blue Heron Ghost Train to see the now abandoned camp. Learn more about what makes Blue Heron such a fascinating – and haunting – destination.
