The Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County, Virginia, is one of the most incredible geological formations in the United States. For hundreds of years, this natural wonder has awed all those who have seen it (to include a few of America’s founding fathers). Today, it remains a very popular tourist destination- and for good reason!
History
The limestone geological formation known as the “Natural Bridge” is estimated to be over 500 million years old. Over time, the region was shaped by Cedar Creek, a small tributary of the James River that still trickles through the area today.
Of course, this incredible natural feature caught the attention of anyone who experienced it. The local Monacan Indians considered it a sacred site and referred to it as “The Bridge of God,” while white European settlers were mesmerized by its grandeur, as were many of our founding fathers.
In 1750, it is believed that a young George Washington, who worked as a surveyor for his mentor, Lord Thomas Fairfax, surveyed the land all around the natural bridge. As the story goes, the athletic Washington decided to climb nearly 25 feet up the side of the rock face under the bridge to carve his initials “G.W.” into the stone. In fact, these initials can still be seen today!
If Washington’s association with the natural bridge wasn’t cool enough, the bridge itself and the surrounding 157 acres were actually purchased by famed Virginian Thomas Jefferson on July 5, 1774. In fact, Jefferson was said to have visited this beautiful spot on multiple occasions and he even drew a map of the area. He loved this land so much that in 1803, he had a small cabin built here.
Throughout the late 1700s and 1800s, the natural bridge became a very popular tourist destination by visitors from all over the United States and even Europe. According to an interpretive sign in the Natural Bridge State Park, “many explored the countryside around the bridge on horseback or in horse-drawn carriages. The braver guests were lowered over the edge from the top of the bridge in a hexagonal steel cage while a violinist played.” Imagine that!
This seemingly secluded natural feature even played a role in the American Civil War. In June 1864, Union forces under command of General David Hunter marched through this area on their way to Lynchburg. During this march, many of the Union soldiers became aware that they were passing near the famous “natural bridge.” In fact, Colonel David Hunter Strother wrote: “we passed within three miles of the Natural Bridge. Officers were much disappointed by not being able to see it. Lieutenant Meigs and some others did go by that road.”
But it wasn’t just Union troops who were drawn to the majestic beauty of the natural bridge. Not even two weeks after General Hunter’s troops marched through the region, victorious Confederate soldiers passed by on their way to Lexington. One Confederate soldier wrote: “on the 23rd started on the march towards Lexington, and on the same day I got permission to visit or go by the Natural Bridge…we had pointed out to use the letters G. Washington carved int he stone, which were once quite plain, but time has nearly effaced the last vestige of them.”
Throughout the 1900s until today, the natural bridge has remained a very popular tourist attraction. Of course, modern highways, vehicles, and the establishment of the Natural Bridge State Park in September 2016 has made visiting this incredible much easier.
Interesting Facts
- The Natural Bridge is 215 feet high (55 feet higher than Niagara Falls), 100 feet wide, and spans 90 feet across. Remarkably, the arch of stone weighs around 36,000 tons!
- The Monacan Indians considered the natural bridge a sacred site and referred to it as “The Bridge of God”
- Thomas Jefferson purchased the natural bridge and surrounding land from King George III in 1774. He paid twenty shillings, which amounted to about $2.40!
- U.S. Route 11 (Lee’s Highway) passes over the natural bridge
Our Visit & Recommendations
Rockbridge County’s famous “Natural Bridge” is managed by the Natural Bridge State Park, which officially opened on September 24, 2016. The park offers educational programs, helps protect the natural beauty of the area, and sells tickets for visitors to hike the nearly 7-miles of trails and see the natural bridge up close in person. The park has a visitor center located at 6477 S Lee Hwy, Natural Bridge, VA 24578, which is the best place to begin your visit. For pricing and additional up-to-date information, check out their website here.
We made a brief stop to see the natural bridge during a road trip through the area, which ended up being quite a memorable visit! I had always heard about the natural bridge, so it was neat to finally get to see it in person. After a quick stop in the visitor center (where you buy tickets and access the trail to the natural bridge), we set out into the woods. Although it was summer, the trails were still much busier than we anticipated- a true testament to how popular the natural bridge is.
After a short walk downhill, the winding trail leveled off and curved to the right- and there it was! Its difficult to explain what I felt when I first saw the natural bridge- but it really did make my jaw drop (pictures do not do it justice). We continued down the Cedar Creek Trail, which parallels its namesake waterway, and on towards the bridge. Although U.S. Route 11 passes across the top of the bridge, the railings and heavy vegetation makes it nearly invisible. Once directly underneath the bridge, be sure to look up to see the underside of the incredible 215 foot tall bridge.
As you are underneath the bridge, be sure to look off to your left across Cedar Creek. About 25 feet up from the water is a small white rectangular box on the rock. Within this box are the initials “G.W.,” believed to be the very initials that George Washington carved into the stone way back in 1750! Below are the best pictures that could be gotten, considering its location.
Although we did not have enough time to hike more of the trails or explore, the park offers many great features. Other than the nearly 7 miles of trails (and over 1,500 acres of park), there is a children’s discovery area, picnic and camping areas, caverns, and plenty of other attractions nearby.
Before leaving the parking lot, we made sure to check out the Virginia “Civil War Trails” interpretive sign and some really cool artwork, both out in front of the visitor center.
