Organized on December 10, 1964, by L. K. Patton, KCBA took as its purpose to stimulate interest in covered bridges -- past and present -- primarily in Kentucky, but elsewhere in general; to collect and catalog historical data and photographs of them; and to do anything within its power to encourage the preservation of Kentucky's covered bridges. These spans have served, are serving, and will serve for generations to come with little care and maintenance. They are fine examples of early engineering and building, and will offer to tomorrow's generations, examples of the rich history which is our heritage.
Approxmately 400 covered bridge crossed Kentucky's streams in 1900.
By 1924, when the last authentic covered bridge was built in Kentucky, nearly 200 timbered tunnels remained.
When the Kentucky Highway Department first mapped every county in 1937, there were approximately 125 covered spans on the state highway system.
In 1952, forty-three of these remained in service.
In 1964, KCBA was founded. The count was only twenty!
Today -- over 33 years later, thirteen still stand ... all listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Among these thirteen spans is an example of Burr's arch, Town's lattice, Howe's truss, Smith's Type 4 truss ... with one Kingpost, one Queenpost, one modified Queenpost and five Multiple Kingpost trusses. And only our Commonwealth can boast the sole-surviving example of the rare Wheeler truss!!!
KCBA membership ($9. annually) is offered to anyone who shares our dedication. Four times a year, KCBA publishes a journal, "Timbered Tunnel Talk," which keeps members informed of the past, present and future of our treasured spans. We also enthusiastically solict articles and photographs to add to our ever e-x-p-a-n-d-i-n-g files (which include the rare photographic negative collection of the late Dr. J. Winston Coleman, Jr., noted Kentucky historian and KCBA charter member).
KCBA also has a 28-page (award-winning!!) publication, "Kentucky's Timbered Tunnels," which pictures all 13 existing bridges, with truss designs, and individual maps ...plus stories of each bridge. Just $4.95 (plus $1. p/h). It's GREAT!!
For additional information, write L. K. Patton at 62 Miami Parkway, Fort Thomas, KY 41075-1137
Phone: (606) 441-7000 ..........or Fax: (606) 441-2112 ......or e-mail: lkpatton@fuse.net
Our Switzer Bridge --suffering $500,000 damage in the March, 1997, floods-- is being dismantled and catalogged where it was swept away and lodged against two nearby trees. It will "good-as-new" by Summer, 1998, hopefully, and continue its 142-year-old life!
For a visit to ALL thirteen covered bridges with recent photographs and history, visit the KY ATLAS !!