Campbell’s Covered Bridge – Gowensville, South Carolina
South Carolina | SC Picture Project | Greenville County Photos | Campbell’s Covered Bridge
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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.
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.
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.”
11 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.
May 7th, 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.
May 27th, 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.
May 28th, 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!
June 6th, 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?
June 6th, 2012 at 2:42 pm
I would like to write a poem about this and would appreciate some feedback. Thank you
June 6th, 2012 at 2:54 pm
Hi Angela – that sounds like an interesting idea and we would enjoy reading it! – SCIWAY
July 5th, 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…
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