When we were in Georgia with Quentin, we stumbled across this covered bridge, which is part of a Georgia State Park now. We decided to drive out and see what it was all about and here is what we found:
This is the view of the bridge as you approach it. you can actually drive through it, and we did. Once on the other side, there is a small parking area and a trail where you can walk down to the Broad River.
History of the Bridge
The Watson Mill covered bridge was built to allow access to the mill built by Gabriel Watson in 1798 about 300 feet south of the present location of the bridge on the south fork of the Broad River. A sluice extended past the shoals now below the bridge and provided water to power both a sawmill and grist mill. There were other shops in the small community that developed around the mill.
In 1900 the mill fell victim to technology. In place of the sluice, a raceway was built to deliver water from the dam to the turbine that generated electricity for Jefferson Mills (a textile mill) in nearby Crawford.
With the rise of electricity in rural areas in Georgia during the 1950's it was no longer economical to create power from the dam, and after stripping the site of everything of value the company let it sit until it donated the land to the state of Georgia in 1971.
The state began a restoration effort, which centered around the covered bridge. In 1973 Watson Mill Bridge State Park opened to the public, and since that time has become a frequent stop on Roadside Georgia's itinerary.
The Watson Mill covered bridge was built to allow access to the mill built by Gabriel Watson in 1798 about 300 feet south of the present location of the bridge on the south fork of the Broad River. A sluice extended past the shoals now below the bridge and provided water to power both a sawmill and grist mill. There were other shops in the small community that developed around the mill.
In 1900 the mill fell victim to technology. In place of the sluice, a raceway was built to deliver water from the dam to the turbine that generated electricity for Jefferson Mills (a textile mill) in nearby Crawford.
With the rise of electricity in rural areas in Georgia during the 1950's it was no longer economical to create power from the dam, and after stripping the site of everything of value the company let it sit until it donated the land to the state of Georgia in 1971.
The state began a restoration effort, which centered around the covered bridge. In 1973 Watson Mill Bridge State Park opened to the public, and since that time has become a frequent stop on Roadside Georgia's itinerary.
This is a side view of the bridge.
Ady was having such a great time "exploring" that she wouldn't hardly stand still for a picture. There were plenty of big rocks for her to climb all over. Of course, the rocks were slippery with moss so I didn't do too much exploring. Daddy took Ady out into the water almost of to her knees and she LOVED it.
Ady and Quentin by the waterfall.
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