McPherson’s Ford Bridge stands as a relic of 19th-century infrastructure.
McPherson’s Ford Bridge, an abandoned truss bridge spanning the Cowpasture River in Alleghany County, Virginia, stands as a relic of 19th-century infrastructure. Completed in 1897, it was a product of local economic expansion and persistent efforts to improve regional transportation. Built by Nelson & Buchanan of Pennsylvania, the bridge featured three 104-foot spans and served as a crucial crossing for travelers and goods along what became State Route 633. For over a century, it facilitated commerce and connection before being replaced by a modern two-lane structure in 2013.
Today, a visit to McPherson’s Ford Bridge offers a glance into history. Weathered trusses rise over the waters of the Cowpasture, surrounded by the same rugged Appalachian landscape that early homesteaders once navigated. Though no longer in use, the bridge remains a testament to the region’s transportation history, an enduring landmark for those who appreciate the resilience of historic engineering.
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