Built in 1906 with the Town lattice truss design, the gravel road to this relic is near the intersection of Cromers Bridge Road and Hwy 106(Allou Rd). Once you are on Cromers Bridge Road, Baker’s Street(which looks like a driveway) will be on your immediate right. I searched but could not find much information about this bridge other than it’s builder was J. M. ‘Pink’ Hunt. Hunt most likely employed the skills of Washington King to help him complete the project. Washington is the eldest son of former slave and bridge builder Horace King. Horace Kings story is one you don’t really see in the history books, but worth getting to know. I have links to stories about his life in my Red Oak Creek Covered Bridge review. This bridge no longer allows traffic to cross it’s aged planks, but still seems very sturdy. The gravel road is starting to grow in, so it probably won’t be very many more years before it is inaccessible. The bridge itself is 110 feet long. Add-in the approaches on both ends and the official length is 132 feet. The Historical Society Marker reads as follows: «The Cromers settled on Nails Creek in Franklin County in 1845. Prior to the Civil War, the family operated a woolen mill near this site. Subsequently, the area maintained a cotton gin, flour mill, and saw mill, though all operations has ceased by 1943. In 1907, the county contracted James M. Hunt to build the present 110-foot bridge. Constructed in the Town lattice design, the bridge’s web of planks crisscrossing at 45 to 60-degree angles are fastened with wooden pegs, or trunnels, at each intersection. Will Cromer, a descendant of the original family, built the stone abutments.» FINALTHOUGHTS I love history and I love covered bridges. Something about them hints at the secrets of a bygone era. It leaves my mind to wonder what kinds of things this bridge has seen and what would it say if it could tell a story. Please, if you decide to pay this landmark a visit, be respectful. There is a sign on the opposite side that reads: «This property is owned by the Farmer Family. Please show your respect by not littering, damaging or destroying their property.» Enjoy!
