Location: Clarkton Bridge

Date: 9/2007

City:

State: Virginia

Every now and then we have friends that will tell us about a place we need to investigate. Such was the reason for a friend of mine and I to find Clarkton Bridge. I had been told by a co-worker that Clarkton Bridge was haunted. The story goes that a young woman may have jumped from this bridge, ending her life. There are times when screams can be heard in the area. This co-worker heard it when he was a teenager and ran for dear life, with his heart racing in his body. So with map in hand and my friend driving, as he has family in the area and knows the roads, we headed off to Brookneal, Virginia.

After arriving in Brookneal and taking the several roads to lead us to the bridge, we finally came upon the last road. This one wasn't paved, graveled and lots of holes. We drove very slowly and down deep into the  woods for 3 miles.  All the time I was thinking that people, years ago walked or rode their horses on this road to get to the bridge. The road being slight hilly would take us up and down like a small roller coaster. Then all of a sudden, coming to the top of one of the inclines, stood the bridge. My heart jumped and I grabbed my friends arm and said, "There it is."

Clarkton Bridge was built in 1901, named for the Clark Family. a very wealthy plantation owner. It crosses the Staunton Scenic River with a boat landing below the bridge. http://www.clarktonbridge.com/Historicalinfo.htm is the web site. Closed in 1998 to traffic and was granted a "Last chance" demolition reprieve by Virginia Secretary of Transportation in 2003. The bridge reopened in 2005.  It is now used for walking, cycling and horseback riding. It is 6 miles from Red Hill, Patrick Henry's last home. No doubt, this area is filled with history.

After parking the van, we headed across the bridge with all my equipment in my pockets and camera in hand. The beauty of this bridge is breathtaking. Although made of steel and wood, it has the lush green woods on both sides to add to it's beauty. The river below was silent, not a movement could be heard. I walked across to the center to do an EVP, but with the sounds of birds and other creatures, I figured this was not going to be possible. But, I did do several, just in case. My friend had already walked to the end on the other side and I stood there to see if I could pick up on anything. Only the calmness was felt by me. But in my minds eye, I could see the people of a hundred years ago walking across this same place. No screams were heard by us that day. Maybe it was too early. But then again... perhaps the souls are at rest and there is no need for screaming now.

Sandy

Ghostec Member