Meem’s Bottom Covered Bridge

Meem’s Bottom Covered Bridge was built in 1893 by Franklin Hiser Wissler and John W. V. Woods. ³ It was constructed after a flood to replace earlier bridges that had been swept away in 1870 and 1877. ¹ The bridge was named after the Meem family, who owned significant land in the vicinity.

By the late 1970s, Meem’s Bottom was the only covered bridge still in use on a state highway. ² However, on Halloween 1976, it was set on fire by arsonist Clyde Meadows. ^{1 2 3} The Virginia Department of Transportation, recognizing the bridge’s historical importance, announced in September 1977 that it would be restored. ² Subsequently, the Virginia General Assembly allocated $280,000 for its reconstruction. ³

Using salvaged timbers from the original structure, the bridge was reconstructed in 1979 and reinforced with steel beams and concrete piers at a cost of $250,000. ³ The Meem’s Bottom Covered Bridge was re-dedicated on August 30 of that year. ⁴ Notably, this restoration was a first for the Virginia Department of Transportation, as they had never constructed a wooden bridge in their 73-year history. ⁴ The restoration project later won a national environmental and conservation award from the Federal Highway Administration.

However, in October 1982, inspections uncovered a crack in the Burr arch and several areas of rot in the heart-pine wood, leading to the immediate closure of the bridge. ³ It’s believed the truss and arch absorbed moisture while left exposed for three years after the fire. During restoration, the application of a sticky, fire-retardant substance trapped this moisture, causing fungus to grow and decay the wood.