During the last weekend of September, 2015, a heavy rainstorm saturated Patrick County. More rain followed late Monday and early Tuesday morning, adding more water to an already swollen Smith River. Record amounts of rain, nearing 18 inches in some areas, were more than the Smith River could handle, ripping the Bob White Covered Bridge from its abutments and washing the wreckage downstream. Jack's Creek Covered Bridge, just upstream, now stands alone in Patrick County, the only remaining covered bridge in the area.
   Located near Woolwine, Virginia, the oak span was built in 1914 and crosses the Smith River. So why is it called Jack's Creek Bridge? To add a little more confusion, the bridge was sometimes called the Upper Covered Bridge in order to distinguish it from the Bob White Bridge further downstream. To clear things up, Jack's Creek Bridge was used to reach the Jack's Creek Primitive Baptist Church and over time it took on the name.
   Recently passing the century mark, the 48 foot Queen-post bridge has been kept in good repair. The historic landmark was last refurbished in 1974, preserving the historic bridge for future generations. These two Smith River bridges were once the highlight of the Patrick County Covered Bridge Festival. But now Virginia's authentic historic treasures have dwindled to seven, a good reason to celebrate these rare gems.

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