Milam's Bridge
near Euharlee, Bartow County, Georgia
Contributed by: Jim Glawson

The Historical Marker reads:

MILAM'S BRIDGE
The covered structure over the Etowah here
was burned by Jackson's Cav. (CSA)  May 21, 1864,
the day after Johnston's (CSA)  passage of the
river at State R. R. Bridge.
May 23d, the 2 platoon bridges intended
for the passage of Schofield's 23d A.C. (USA)
were usurped by the 20th A. C. (USA) (mistaken-
ly diverted from the Gillem's bridge) and the
23d A. C. did not cross until the 24th. 
This and crossings lower down were on
the Federal routes from Kingston & Cassville
toward Dallas, Paulding Co. Sherman (USA)
called the Etowah "The Rubicon of Georgia."

See: Civil War Campaign Map depicting 3 Milam properties

The first Milam bridge was erected in 1859 replacing a ferry at the same location. The original bridge was a covered bridge. The life of the first bridge was short. It was burned on May 21, 1864 by Confederate forces to prevent it's use by the Union Army as General Sherman ravaged much of the area of Georgia. The site of the first bridge is marked by a Bartow County Civil War Historical Marker. 

The present bridge was built by one account in 1887. However, another account lists 1912 as the erection date. Although the actual correct construction date has not been verified, there was no bridge at this location for 1864 until the present bridge was built. It's probable that a ferry was used during the bridgeless years.

The bridge is named after named after my gg-uncle Madison Milam, who was one of five sons of William Milam of Laurens District, SC, who came to Cass County, Georgia in the 1850's. He first rented the McLean farm on the Etowah River was there for about 2 years. He then bought a farm on the Etowah opposite where the Euharlee Creek empties into the river. A ferry that would be later known as Milam's Ferry was being operated when the property was acquired by him. How long the ferry operated prior to 1852 is debatable. 

Location of Milam's Bridge is east of Euharlee at junction of Euharlee and Milam Bridge Rd.

Hope this helps.  I got some personal stories about the bridge also.  Just family stuff.  I remember as a young boy crossing the river on the bridge it scared me to death.
Jim Glawson