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Trimble Parks Covered Bridge

Trimble Parks Covered Bridge

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Apr 01, 2025 13:55

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The Emerson Parks Covered Bridge, located in Parks Plaza, downtown Trimble, Tennessee (Obion County), is a historic landmark and the only historic covered bridge in western Tennessee. Built in 1904 by farmer Emerson E. Parks, it originally spanned a drainage ditch on his farm near the Obion River Drainage Canal, serving both agricultural needs and local traffic until 1928. The wooden bridge, measuring 59 feet long, 11.4 feet wide, and with 10 feet of vertical clearance, had a gable roof until a 1914 tornado necessitated a flat shed roof replacement. Its unique agricultural origins and community preservation make it a cherished relic among Tennessee’s few remaining covered bridges. In 1997, due to erosion threatening its original site on private property, the bridge was relocated to Parks Plaza in Trimble, rebuilt with salvaged materials to preserve its historical integrity. This move, while saving the structure, led to its delisting from the National Register of Historic Places, where it had been listed since 1978. Now a pedestrian-only exhibit, the restored bridge showcases much of its original woodwork and stands as a nostalgic centerpiece in Trimble. The bridge’s significance lies in its rarity and cultural value, often featured in lists of Tennessee’s scenic covered bridges alongside those in Elizabethton and Sevierville. Its relocation reflects a community-driven effort to combat environmental threats, though the loss of its National Register status underscores the challenges of preserving historic structures when moved. The flat-roofed design, distinct from its original gabled form, adds to its unique character, but limited signage may leave visitors wanting more historical context at the site. Visitors can access the bridge via TN-105, turning left after the railroad tracks into Parks Plaza, where it’s open daily for exploration. Its isolated location in quiet Trimble may limit visibility compared to other Tennessee bridges, but it’s a charming stop for those exploring the Great River Road or nearby attractions.