Humpback Bridge
Why it's listed
Humpback Bridge crosses Dunlop Creek near Covington in Alleghany County, Virginia. Built in 1835 as part of the James River and Kanawha Valley Turnpike, it is made of hand-hewn oak timbers joined with locust pins instead of nails. The single span of about one hundred feet has no middle support, and the center of the floor and roof rises eight feet above the ends, which gives the structure its humped profile. High stone foundations carry the ends. Since 1953 the bridge has been part of a five-acre wayside along Route 60 near Interstate 64, and it now carries only foot traffic. It was listed because it is described as the oldest remaining covered bridge in Virginia and the only one of its type in the country. The nomination praises it as a skillful engineering achievement and fine craftsmanship, with a distinctive design that makes it a landmark of state and national interest.
Significance in brief: The nomination calls it the oldest remaining covered bridge in Virginia and the only one of its type in the country. It is presented as a skillful engineering feat and an example of fine craftsmanship. Its unique design and picturesque appearance make it a significant state and national landmark.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 69000219, listed October 1, 1969. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | Spanning Dunlop Creek at bypassed section of former James River & Kanawha Turnpike (later, Midland Trail), Callaghan |
|---|---|
| County | Alleghany County |
| Listed | October 1, 1969 |
| Reference number | 69000219 |
| Resource type | Structure |
| Period of significance | 1835 |
| Architectural style | Covered bridge |
| Areas of significance | Engineering |
| Level of significance | National |
| National Historic Landmark | Yes, designated October 16, 2012 |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Condition listed as fair; since 1953 part of a five-acre wayside, now used only for foot traffic. |
| Coordinates | 37.80066, -80.04693 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For a publicly owned building or structure, listing mainly matters when federal funds, permits or licences are involved: projects then go through Section 106 review so effects on the property are considered. Listing also strengthens applications for preservation grants and, for leased income-producing uses, can enable the federal rehabilitation tax credit.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 69000219.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q5941227
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.