Simon Bolivar Buckner Memorial Bridge
still researching the two bridges...
I love to explore, the woods, parks, fields, historic locations, old buildings, little towns. I am always on the lookout for something unusual or historic or mysterious. Located just down 31w in Munfordville, Hart Co., Ky at Thelma Stovall Park there are two concrete pillars standing at the rivers edge. After visiting the park several times, I began asking around to see if anyone knew the story behind them. I became fascinated by the Old bridge pillars. Pillar one is located down by the boat ramp and the other sitting straight across the bank. After doing some research I discovered these pillars are remnants of an old iron bridge.
The photos below are the only concrete proof (pun intended) of where the Iron Bridge Over Green River stood that I have found so far...
pillar 1
pillar
2
photo courtesy of L & N photograph files 1938
This photograph (courtesy of L & N railroad files 1938 ) is this a photo of that same Iron bridge over Green River originally constructed in 1859, designed by Albert Fink?? The bridge was originally constructed of iron and concrete and was 'officially' dedicated twice more while in existance. The first, during the initial L & N run after completion, secondly after a reconstruction project in June 21, 1940. Thirdly In 1948, when the main bridge over Green River was officially named the
Simon Bolivar Buckner Memorial Bridge. Honoring the Confederate General and past Governor of Kentucky and his son, General
Simon Bolivar Buckner who was killed in action in WWII, at Okinawa.
Here is another rare photograph, a bit larger so you can see more details.
Photo Source:C. Frank Dunn Photographs Collection, 1900-1954, bulk 1920-1940:Contributing Institution:Kentucky Historical SocietyBelow are 2 illustrations of the iron and wooden bridge as it stood from 1859 until the civil war. This bridge suffered damage numerous times during efforts to stop the railroad.
Both illustrations are from
"Kentucky Illustrated, the first hundred years"
by Martin F Schmidt 1992.
Wood engraving from Frank Leslie's illustrated Newspaper
January 18, 1862
taken from a drawing by a special artist that traveled with General Buell's army,
probably William R McComas.
This view of the bridge was from a wood engraving from Harper's Weekly, February 25, 1860 not long after construction, during the first completed trip from Louisville to Nashville. It looks to me as though this drawing was taken from sketches from a different viewpoint.
Hailed a "National Engineering Marvel" when this passenger train went over green river for the first time, it must have been a time of celebration, would you have had the nerve to be on that train for the first run across the bridge ?
