The Buchanan Swinging Bridge is 366 feet long, 57.5 feet tall and the only one of its type to cross the James River. Portions of the bridge date back to 1851 as the Buchanan Turnpike Company Toll Bridge. On June 13, 1864, Confederate General McCausland burned the covered bridge to prevent Federal Troops under General Hunter’s command from crossing the James River. Following a series of replacement bridges, the Buchanan Swinging bridge was constructed on the earlier piers in 1939.
(that's one of my little boys Braden to the right, about to cross the bridge!)
More bridges from all over the world can be found at Louis La Vache's blog!
Do people still walk across this bridge? Looks scary.... :)
ReplyDeleteYes! There is a sign that says "only 3 people on the bridge at a time" but the locals don't seem to follow instructions and just walk across in big groups, yikes...I think that sign is there for a reason people!
ReplyDeleteIt is pretty, but I would never be able to bring myself to cross it. Too scary!
ReplyDeleteCross that bridge should be an adventure !
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool bridge! Although the kind that make me sick if I walk on it, with all the movement! Interesting history!
ReplyDeleteGot stranded overnight once in Roanoke coming back from football at Va Tech. Would like to go back in daylight.
ReplyDeleteit's a beautiful area to be stranded in birdman...definitely come back in the daylight!
ReplyDeleteI would be afraid to walk over this bridge, it is the swinging that frightens me. But good for a photo!
ReplyDeleteVery cool. I would walk across, but only if you go first. :)
ReplyDeleteI think I'd rather watch someone cross than actually cross that bridge myself. That's a very cool bridge!
ReplyDeletep.s. We ended up moving back to Orange County. I'm happy to be away from the summer heat but when fall comes I'm going to be sad.
I don't often see these old swing bridges anymore. They were more common when I was a kid.
ReplyDeleteIn Yosemite there is a sturdy, non swinging bridge that is called "swinging bridge". I am old enough to remember the earlier swing bridge at this spot.
I will be on all fours, to cross this bridge. Or maybe creeping?
ReplyDeleteYour new blog decor is great!
I love bridges like that - if I saw it I'd absolutely have to cross it. Nice shot!
ReplyDeleteI've never seen a 'swinging' bridge this big, that's cool! It must be bit unnerving way out there.
ReplyDeleteSuperb post, Tanya! Beautifully shot and historically interesting too.
ReplyDeleteNeat story, looks like it wobbles, lol. Hows football practice going? It starts today for our High School.
ReplyDeleteI can cross a swinging bridge as long as no one is swinging it... :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful replacement. I bet all the teens love to hang out on that and make it swing back and forth! Thanks for stopping by at my bridge.
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