Appomattox River Bridge

Appomattox River Bridge is a concrete structure featuring a single-span T-beam design with four obelisk-shaped pillars at the corners. The span measures roughly 33 feet in length and rises about 11 feet above the water.

Built in 1930 by William Roy Glidden, Virginia's first state bridge engineer, the structure was widened in 1971 to accommodate growing traffic needs. This expansion reflected changing demands on the region's roadways.

The bridge railings display patterns representing both Confederate and Union symbols side by side. This visual combination tells the story of how the place bridges two opposing histories.

The bridge sits on Route 24 within the Appomattox Court House National Historical Park and is easily accessible from the roadway. Visitors should approach it slowly to safely view the distinctive railings and architectural details up close.

The bridge earned registration on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, decades after its construction in 1930. This late recognition highlights the enduring importance of Glidden's engineering design.

Location: Virginia

GPS coordinates: 37.38360,-78.78940

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:41