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 Indiana has preserved some of the symbols of that bygone time. Some 92 covered bridges survive into the modern era, relics of a simpler time, like scenes from a Currier and Ives print. The majority of these bridges are in the southern and central part of the state. Parke County Indiana has the most of these handsome structures left. In that county they have inspired their largest fall festival, the Covered Bridge Festival. Some adorn the entrance of State Parks like the Busching Bridge at Versailles State Park and Ramp Creek Covered Bridge at Brown County. Most, though, are scattered out through the countryside, unprotected and sometimes the target of vandals seeking to destroy. Narrows Covered Bridge at Turkey Run State Park crosses Sugar Creek and now carries hikers across the creek. Cataract Falls Bridge is just upstream of Indiana’s largest waterfall, Cataract Falls on Eel River. The longest single span, 207 feet, covered bridge is the Jackson Covered Bridge near Bloomingdale. This bridge is still in use. The Medora Bridge, at 434 feet, is the longest triple span bridge still standing in Indiana and the longest bridge in the United States. Here we will explore Indiana’s covered bridges, with photos and the story of each one. The covered bridge is part of our pioneer heritage and we should preserve the bridges and the stories. |