Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 11/15/1977
NRHP Listing Date 05/05/1978
NRHP Reference Number 78003010
Virginia’s many metal-truss bridges are fast being replaced by sturdier, though less visually appealing, spans of concrete. Among the several examples selected for landmark designation because of rarity of type or picturesque qualities is the Gholson Bridge spanning the Meherrin River in central Brunswick County. The bridge is important from an engineering standpoint as the oldest multi-span metal bridge in the state. It was constructed in 1884 by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company of Canton, Ohio, and consists of two through Pratt trusses set on random ashlar sandstone piers. The wrought-iron trusses consists of top chords and end posts that are two upright channels connected with cover plates and stay plates. Decorative details include cast-metal caps with the construction date. Above each portal is a plaque identifying the builder.
Many properties listed in the registers are private dwellings and are not open to the public, however many are visible from the public right-of-way. Please be respectful of owner privacy.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: May 4, 2021
