There are many impressive sights throughout the state of Kentucky and most of them come with a fascinating story. As a state with deep roots in the railroad industry, you’ll find both active and former railroad bridges scattered across the Bluegrass as a means of transporting goods throughout the region. If you’re looking for one of the tallest and most impressive of these, there is a historic bridge in Kentucky that comes to mind. High Bridge spans the Kentucky River near Wilmore and towers above the water as a historic landmark. You can view it up close to this day and its history is, indeed, fascinating.
Over 140 years ago, a bridge opened in Kentucky that would allow trains to cross over the Kentucky River and connect new parts of the state.
Wikimedia/Rsfinlayson High Bridge opened as a part of the Cincinnati Southern Railway in 1877 and soared at a height of 275 feet and 1,125 feet long. Over a century later and the bridge continues to stand as one of the tallest and most impressive in Kentucky.
At the time it was built, High Bridge was the tallest bridge above a navigable waterway in North America and the tallest railroad bridge in the world until the early 1900s.
Wikimedia/JD Mackiewicz That may seem hard to believe as it’s a bridge hidden in rural Kentucky. High Bridge should not be confused with another tall bridge in Kentucky, Young’s High Bridge, which is located in Lawrenceburg, just 40 minutes away. Young’s High Bridge is about the same height as High Bridge and is now owned by a bungee jumping company.
High Bridge was officially dedicated in 1879 and this image shared by nearby Shaker Village depicts the historic area.
Facebook/Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Many people gathered for the dedication in hopes of seeing then President Rutherford B. Hayes, who was in attendance. Notably, also in attendance was General William Tecumseh Sherman.
The bridge saw much locomotive traffic over the years and reinforcements were built in the early 1900s.
Wikimedia/Brando03 In 1911, a new bridge was built around the existing one and then in 1929 it was expanded to two tracks.
Today, there are a number of ways to see the bridge and experience its history.
Google/Kenya update High Bridge Park sits atop the hill and overlooks the river and this historic bridge in Kentucky. You can walk out onto the overlook and witness a beautiful view of the river valley.
The views are incredible and the bridge is also within sight.
Google/Mark Mohon The park also offers a picnic area, a historic caboose, and sometimes hosts events.
High Bridge is very close to Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, so you could easily combine both destinations in one outing.
Facebook/Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Or better yet, plan a trip along the Kentucky River on a charming riverboat through Shaker Village and witness this historic bridge in Kentucky from the water.
Once the highest railroad bridge in the world, High Bridge stands as a reminder of our past and a place that’s both beautiful and fascinating to visit. As a historic bridge in Kentucky, it still towers over the river and surrounding area and continues to draw visitors, just as it did when it opened in the 1800s. Have you seen High Bridge and spent time in the area? Share your experience with us in the comments.
Wikimedia/Rsfinlayson
High Bridge opened as a part of the Cincinnati Southern Railway in 1877 and soared at a height of 275 feet and 1,125 feet long. Over a century later and the bridge continues to stand as one of the tallest and most impressive in Kentucky.
Wikimedia/JD Mackiewicz
That may seem hard to believe as it’s a bridge hidden in rural Kentucky. High Bridge should not be confused with another tall bridge in Kentucky, Young’s High Bridge, which is located in Lawrenceburg, just 40 minutes away. Young’s High Bridge is about the same height as High Bridge and is now owned by a bungee jumping company.
Facebook/Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Many people gathered for the dedication in hopes of seeing then President Rutherford B. Hayes, who was in attendance. Notably, also in attendance was General William Tecumseh Sherman.
Wikimedia/Brando03
In 1911, a new bridge was built around the existing one and then in 1929 it was expanded to two tracks.
Google/Kenya update
High Bridge Park sits atop the hill and overlooks the river and this historic bridge in Kentucky. You can walk out onto the overlook and witness a beautiful view of the river valley.
Google/Mark Mohon
The park also offers a picnic area, a historic caboose, and sometimes hosts events.
Or better yet, plan a trip along the Kentucky River on a charming riverboat through Shaker Village and witness this historic bridge in Kentucky from the water.
For more information on this area and the bridge, visit the KY Atlas website.
And if you’d like to see the bridge from the water, plan a trip to Shaker Village and take a ride on the Dixie Belle.
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Address: High Bridge, KY 40390, USA
