About George Miller Covered Bridge
The George Miller Covered Bridge carries George Miller Road over the West Fork of Eagle Creek southeast of Russellville in Brown County, Ohio. This 154-foot covered bridge features a Smith truss design and was constructed in 1879 by John Griffith, an agent and foreman for the Smith Bridge Company of Toledo. The bridge remains open to vehicular traffic today, one of only two covered bridges in Brown County still carrying vehicles, and stands as a testament to the durability of 19th-century covered bridge construction.
History of George Miller Covered Bridge
Built in 1879 by John Griffith, who served as an agent and foreman for the Smith Bridge Company, the George Miller Covered Bridge was constructed at a cost of $14.75 per linear foot—a significant investment for the rural Byrd Township community. The bridge served the agricultural area for over a century, connecting farms to markets and communities. In the 1990s, the bridge underwent major renovation work performed by local Amish and Mennonite crews from the Amos Schwartz Construction company of Geneva, Indiana, who brought traditional craftsmanship skills to the restoration project. This renovation helped ensure the bridge could continue serving the community for decades to come.
Architecture and Design
The George Miller Covered Bridge utilizes the Smith truss, a design developed and patented by Robert W. Smith of Toledo, Ohio. The Smith truss combines wooden diagonals with iron vertical rods in a distinctive pattern that efficiently distributes loads across the span. At 154 feet, the bridge represents a substantial crossing, demonstrating the capability of the Smith truss design for longer spans. The 1990s renovation by Amish craftsmen preserved the historic character while addressing structural concerns, blending traditional building techniques with necessary repairs.
Visiting George Miller Covered Bridge
The George Miller Covered Bridge is located southeast of Russellville in Byrd Township. From US Route 62, turn onto George Miller Road (County Road 77) and travel approximately 2.3 miles to reach the bridge. The bridge remains open to traffic, allowing visitors to drive through while experiencing this piece of living history. However, some visitors have noted erosion concerns at the bridge supports, so caution is advised. The scenic West Fork of Eagle Creek provides a beautiful setting, and the bridge can be combined with visits to other Brown County covered bridges, particularly the nearby North Pole Road Covered Bridge, for a comprehensive covered bridge tour of the county.