Springfield, Kentucky—
Fire destroyed the 150-year-old Beech Fork Covered Bridge around midnight Wednesday, March 11th, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s office. Just south of Louisville, this 280-foot (!) bridge had been one of the area’s most popular tourist destinations. The Department of the Interior added it the National Historic Registry in 1976.
The bridge was also known as the Mount Zion Covered Bridge or Mooresville Covered Bridge.
The cause of the fire is unknown. The Washington County Sheriff stresses that its investigation has not yet determined a cause. Arson cannot be ruled out; Indiana has had several incidents of covered bridge arson in recent years. Anyone with information is asked to call Washington County Sheriff Jerry Pinkston at 1-859-336-540.
In 2017, the bridge had undergone extensive renovation by famed bridge builder/historian Arnold Graton. Although Kentucky once had over 700 covered bridges, the Beech Fork Covered Bridge was one of only 13 left in the state today. Graton and his workers spent 18 months rebuilding or repairing over 70% of the bridge, including removing the graffiti that had coated its wooden walls.
The following photo credits to Washington County Sheriff Department:
