One Of The Tallest And Most Impressive Bridges In Kentucky Can Be Found In The Town Of High Bridge

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.