Visiting the Bible Covered Bridge is almost like taking a step back into history. Most covered bridges in Tennessee started out in rural areas and were designed to help reach out of reach areas. Over time cities around them became larger and larger until the once semi-remote covered bridge is now located right in the middle of a bustling city. However, the Bible Covered Bridge is still surrounded by a small rural town.
The Bible Covered Bridge, sometimes called Chucky Bridge, features a Queenspost truss style and spans 44.7 feet over Chucky Creek. It is painted in a rich red color. The creek runs next to and under the bridge. It is a quiet place that you will most likely have to yourself to enjoy.
Inside the bridge located near the roof is a large upside down horseshoe with its open end pointing upward and painted red. A horseshoe hung with the ends pointing up according to folklore is believed to capture and hold good luck. Underneath the horseshoe is a wooden sign with black lettering that says “THE BIBLE BRIDGE” on one wooden plank with a second wooded plank sign connected by chains saying “Cross this bridge at a walk.”
A historical marker is located near the bridge detailing its history. On the back of the marker is a drawing of the original covered bridge.
Although you cannot drive through the bridge you can walk through it. There is a good sized parking area next to the bridge. The bridge is located at the intersection of State Highway 349 and Bible Branch Road in Midway, TN.
Many people think that the bridge is named after the Bible itself since the bridge is located in the bible belt, however it was named after the Bible family. In 1783 the Bible family settled in Midway, TN using a land grant from North Carolina, and constructed a log house.
In order to reach their land they had to cross Little Chucky Ford to reach a road in order to bring their products to market. At least ten covered bridges had previously crossed the Nolichucky Creek. All were washed away by floodwaters in 1900.
The Bible Covered Bridge, commissioned by E.A. Bible in 1923, stretches across Little Chucky Creek at a ford that connects the Bible farm with Warrensburg Road. It was constructed by A. A. McLean, a prominent Tennessee bridge builder during that time, who placed covers on bridges to preserve the timbers.
In 1948, the bridge was purchased for $750 by Greene County and became a public bridge.
Around 1972-1973 the bridge was rehabilitated. Three windows were added on each side, along with projecting end gables and a ventilation area with diagonal slats. A new roof bracing system and a shingle roof were added. The original wooden and steel truss members remained as well as the original concrete substructure and the original floor.
In 1975 it became an historical structure through the efforts of the Greene County Heritage Trust.
Restoration of the bridge was completed in the fall of 2004 by the Greene County Highway Department with the help of a historical structure grant of $120,000 from the Tennessee Department of Transportation. Andrew Bible, the great-grandson of E.A. Bible, cut the ribbon for the re-dedication of the newly restored Bible Covered Bridge.
We love covered bridges. This one is pretty and it’s a great drive through the countryside to get there. Lots of nice views of water, mountains and open farmland.
I thought I knew about all the covered bridges in Tennessee, but I have never heard of this one. Most of the ones I’ve seen you can’t really get out and look at them. I’ll have to add this to my list of things to do this summer. Thanks.