Campbell’s Covered Bridge – Gowensville, South Carolina
South Carolina | SC Picture Project | Greenville County Photos | 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.
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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.
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. 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.
The Campbell Covered Bridge site is now owned by Greenville County. It was permanently closed to traffic in the early 1980s and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009. Major restorations have been undertaken twice, first in 1964 and again in 1990.
Many thanks to David Vanover of Boiling Springs for submitting the beautiful picture above that he took in November 2010.
4 Comments about Campbell’s Covered Bridge
June 28th, 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!
September 15th, 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!
October 27th, 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.
November 5th, 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.
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