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Salem Shotwell Covered Bridge

After this century-old bridge collapsed, volunteers rebuilt it in a new location.

Opelika, Alabama

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Leif Espelund
The Salem Shotwell covered bridge in its current location.   espelund / Atlas Obscura User
Salem Shotwell covered bridge over Rocky Brook Creek   espelund / Atlas Obscura User
Salem Shotwell covered bridge historic marker.   espelund / Atlas Obscura User
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This is the last surviving covered bridge in Lee County, Alabama. It was originally constructed in 1900 over Wacoochee Creek in Salem, Alabama. A storm in 2005 brought a tree down on the bridge, which collapsed into the creek.

A group of volunteers dismantled it and placed it into storage until funds were raised to rebuild it. The bridge now stands in Opelika, approximately 13 miles from its original location. It is located on city property spanning Rocky Brook Creek just to the wast of Opelika Municipal “Monkey” Park. 

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Published

September 8, 2025

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