The L&N Rail Bridge

The original L&N Rail Bridge crossing the Green River in Munfordville, Ky was a five span "Fink Truss". It was designed by Albert Fink and completed  in 1859. it was said to be the 2nd largest iron bridge in the United States. The bridge was mounted atop a series of piers build by the Keystone and Masonry Company of Woodsonville. The bridge was 1250 feet long. These piers were of sufficient height that at summer flow the railroad tracks were 115 feet above the river surface. The bridge was considered a must-have for both the armies in the civil War. In 1861, retreating confederates used canister shells and gunpowder charges to destroy the north span. Heavily guarded, the bridge remained mostly intact for the rest of the war. In 1898, the Fink Truss was replaced with a five span Deck Truss bridge. The new bridge still sets on the original Keystone and Masonry piers. The pier that was blast out during the war, was not rebuilt. Instead, a steel trestle was built to replace it. In 1926, the L&N Railroad elevated the rail beds and the bridge was replaced with steel stringer spans. The original Key piers were used yet again with nine feet concrete caps placed on each to elevate the bridge. This bridge is still in current use by the CSX Railroad.