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Made popular by a Hollywood movie in the 90’s the

covered bridges of Madison County have gained

popularity both from tourists and local people alike.

The romantic movie had a bridge on its story and many

people are now visiting these bridges to see what the

fuss was all about. The following are a few of the

most famous covered bridges in Madison County. From

the original 19, only 6 remain and are now under the

protection of the National Registry of Historical

Places.

1. Cedar Covered Bridge

This famous covered bridge is 76 feet long and was

also featured in the book by Robert James Waller which

was turned into an Academy Award wining movie. In the

book, this is where the characters of Meryl Streep and

Clint Eastwood met to take photographs. This was also

the last of the bridges to be opened for vehicles to

pass.

These days, largely because of its historical

importance, only people are allowed to use the bridge.

In the late 2002, the bridge was severely damaged by

fire and rendered unsafe and fit for demolition.

Fortunately, the bridge was rebuilt using the original

materials and method as it was first built, thanks to

the will of the townspeople who wanted to preserve its

historic integrity.

2. Imes Covered Bridge

Moved three times since it was constructed in 1870,

Imes is one of the oldest bridges in the county’s

history. Imes spans 81 feet and is currently located

in eastern side of St. Charles where it is beautifully

places over a deep ravine - it’s been there since 1977

and was last refurbished in 1997.

3. Roseman Covered Bridge

It is one of the most endearing landmarks of Madison

County and was the one featured in the movie. There

are many stories about the bridge and its history but

let’s start on the facts. It was built in 1883 by a

man named Benton Jones and it has never moved an inch

even after going a few reconstructions - the latest

being in 1992 to prepare it for a Hollywood movie set.

One of the most famous stories associated with the

bridge was that of a jail escapee who was trapped by

the sheriff’s men on the bridge in 1892. The story

goes that the escapee was wrongfully accused and

escaped to prove his innocence. Unfortunately, he got

trapped in the bridge after a brief pursuit. He then

allegedly uttered an unearthly cry to show his

frustration and prove his innocence. Then suddenly, he

rose from the floor of the bridge and went through the

roof as if he were a ghost. The man was never seen

again and after the incident it was then decided that

a person capable of such a miraculous feat must be

telling the truth.

4. Holliwell Covered Bridge

The one of the longest covered bridge in the registry,

this Holliwell covered bridge has the span of a

hundred and twenty two feet (122 ft.) and as also

featured in the movie The Bridges of Madison County.

Spanning the Middle River, this bridge still remains

in its original site since it was built in 1880 by

Benton Jones with the support of the town.

5. Hogback Covered Bridge

This historic piece of architectural prize constructed

in 1884 and was originally located in Winterset. It

was named after a ridge made of limestone which can be

found in the western side of the famous valley. It was

last renovated in the early nineties and is now

protected and maintained using public funds.

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