Today covered bridges evoke a romantic notion of nostalgia. In the 1800’s, they were a very practical item.
Since iron, and later steel, was too expensive to use for bridge structures, many bridges were made of wood with iron fasteners. Wood bridges lasted an average of 10 to 15 years. A wooden bridge covered against the weather could last 70 to 80 years.
Indiana had many such bridges. Downtown, a covered bridge across the Wabash was destroyed by the 1913 flood. In the twentieth century, many of the covered bridges were destroyed by floods or arsonists. Many were replaced by iron truss bridges. Some were dismantled and moved to historic venues (such as Billy Creek at Rockville) or park areas.
At one time nearly 600 covered bridges dotted the Indiana landscape. Today, about 90 are left. Several are closed to traffic, modern bridges stand nearby. Two of the most famous are Deer’s Mill and the Narrows which span Sugar Creek. Deer’s Mill stands in welcome to canoeists for Shades State Park, the Narrows does the same for Turkey Run SP.
Tippecanoe County no longer has any covered bridges. Next door, Carroll County has 2 on the Wildcat Creek, North fork. Adams Mill Bridge at Cutler and Lancaster Bridge near Owasco are both working bridges. Adams Mill had to be repaired due to heavy damage from the arsonist’s torch.
Montgomery County to the south of us also has 2 covered bridges. Darlington and Deer’s Mill are on opposite ends of the county but both span Sugar Creek. Both have modern bridges nearby, but are open to pedestrians.
With 31 bridges, it is Parke County (about 1 hour southwest of Lafayette) that has the greatest concentration of covered bridges in the country. They claim the title “Covered Bridge capitol of the world.” In fall, Parke County and neighboring Putnam County have covered bridge festivals. (see separate article)
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