Coheelee Creek Covered Bridge Historical Marker

The construction of this 121-foot bridge at McDonald’s Ford was first authorized by the county in 1883, though construction was delayed until 1891. It was completed in four months by J.W. Baughman and thirty-six workers as a modification of the queen post truss design. The trusses have a horizontal cross piece extending across a center post flanked by two compression timbers slanting down and outwards with a set of iron rods slanting down and inwards. The concrete abutments were added in 1958. This bridge is the southernmost covered bridge remaining in Georgia.

Erected by The Georgia Historical Society, Georgia Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Administration. Dedicated September 29, 2000.

Coheelee Historical Marker

Here is a picture of an earlier historical marker:

Old Marker

According to the May 2, 1883 minutes of the Early County Board of Commissioners, a commission was appointed "to inquire into the practicability of constructing a bridge across Coheelee Creek at McDonald Ford." However, the construction contract was not let until July 7, 1891. Cost of labor and supplies totaled $490.41 with J. W. Baughman serving as supervisor and W. C. Sheffield, chairman of the 1891 commissioners.

Erected by The Historical Chattahoochee Commission and the Early County Historical Society 19??

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Updated September 19, 2002. 10:58