The Rainbow Bridge, a historic bridge in Greene County, has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service. Caty Dirksen with the Tennessee Historical Commission said in an email that the local century-old bridge was listed on the National Register on Wednesday.
The Rainbow Bridge, located near 3230 107 Cutoff, is no longer in use. However, the old concrete arch bridge, now located on private property, can be seen over the side of a new one that crosses Camp Creek on 107 Cutoff.
The bridge, designed by John A. Steele, was constructed in 1921, and at one time was one of the main crossings for Camp Creek according to a historical report on the bridge provided by the state.
The Rainbow Bridge over Camp Creek marked a significant change for those traveling in that area of Greene County. Before the construction of the bridge, travelers had to take the risk of fording Camp Creek.
However, as automobiles became more common, the bridge’s usefulness as a part of Old Jonesborough Road began to decline. In the 1950s, Old Jonesborough Road was designated as Rural Route No. 2392, and then in 1958 the road and the bridge were replaced when improvements were made to TN-107 Cutoff Road.
According to the state report, the bride was used a part of a farm road in the early 21st century, but as of now is now longer in use.
The Tennessee State Review Board met in late September 2025 to consider Tennessee’s proposed nominations to the register, including the Rainbow Bridge. All 11 nominations brought before the board were approved and sent to the National Register of Historic Places at the U.S. Department of the Interior for consideration by the Park Service.
The 70-foot long span bridge sustained some damage during Hurricane Helene according to the state report.
“The rails have partially deteriorated with rebar exposed in some segments. A tree that crashed into the bridge during a recent flood removed an additional section of railing on the east side of the bridge near the apex of the arch,” the report said.
New listings on the National Register of Historic Places in Tennessee are posted on the Tennessee Historical Commission’s website at www.tn.gov/historicalcommission/federal-programs/national-register/recent-listings.html. The page will soon be updated with Tennessee’s newest additions to the National Register of Historic Places, including the Rainbow Bridge.
