Bridge at Falling Creek

The Bridge at Falling Creek is a stone arch structure in Chesterfield County built from two semicircular barrel arches made of rough-cut granite. The crossing spans roughly 148 feet in length and about 24 feet in width.

This crossing was built in 1823 by William Carter and served as a key link on the Manchester and Petersburg Turnpike connecting Richmond and Petersburg through an early toll road. It formed part of a transportation network that enabled trade between the two cities.

The bridge represents a notable example of early 19th-century engineering techniques in Virginia, demonstrating the craftsmanship and construction methods of that period.

The crossing sits near a wayside park from 1934 that includes historical markers and offers good viewing spots of the structure. Visitors will find accessible walkways and open areas that make it easy to examine the construction up close.

This is the oldest documented bridge in the county and sustained damage during Tropical Storm Gaston in 2004, followed by restoration work. The incident highlights how historic structures remain vulnerable to natural forces centuries after their construction.

Location: Virginia

Official opening: 1823

GPS coordinates: 37.43940,-77.43940

Latest update: December 14, 2025 15:00