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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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When people think of covered bridges, they usually

envision a wooden bridge with picturesque, romantic

details spanning smooth, calm waters. True in most

parks and private estates, but the building of covered

bridges were originally done for practical reasons -

protection and development.

In the early days of young America, barges and ferries

were the only means of transportation in what was then

a land filled with creeks, streams, and rivers. As

villages and towns grew, there was an apparent need to

provide safer and more economical means to transport

huge numbers of people and merchandize across

waterways. This mandated the construction of bridges

for the growth and development of towns which grew on

both sides of a river.

The early ones were crudely built and its span was

usually that of the timber used to build it. As the

need grew, so did the bridges, and the more people

getting into the business of bridge-building, the more

innovative it became. People started using trusses and

arches to lengthen bridges and soon they started to

use connected stringers.

Since bridges were not cheap to build and the

materials and manpower used in the process started to

cost more as the years went by, there was a pressing

need to make sure the bridges last longer. Wood was

the main construction material used back then and it

easily rots if exposed to extreme weather conditions

during winters and summers. To protect the bridges’

trusses and joints, it was a good idea to put roofs

and walls - and little did the first innovators know

that it would soon become the trend all over the

country. The first covered bridge was just partially

covered.

It was in New York during the early part of the

century. But after 1830, the construction of wooden

covered bridges spread quickly all over America and

there were probably thousands built throughout the

19th century. Now the industry has a very rich past

with people making their names in history because of

the bridges they built.

Benton Jones is the most famous builder of covered

bridges throughout the nineteenth century. His works

include the famous bridges in Madison County which

were featured in an academy award winning movie. Many

of his work survived the ravages of time and

commercialization and are now preserved as historic

bridges. His best work which still stands is the

Roseman Covered Bridge which has lots of romanticized

stories that has made it one of the most famous

bridges in American history.

Another amazing story about the people who built

covered bridges was that of Horace King, a slave who

grew up in South Carolina and was one of the most

respected names in bridge building. King learned the

art of building bridges from his master, John Godwin.

For sixteen years the two of them built bridges

together in states like Alabama, Georgia, and their

hometown South Carolina.

But during the difficult years of the 1940s, King was

granted his freedom by Godwin as a sign of friendship

and partnership. The two continued to build good

bridges all over the country until the year Godwin

died. After that, three of King’s sons joined him in

the bridge-building business. The Kings went on to

become one of the most respected families in the

business of bridge construction, building strong,

sturdy bridges that still stand today. In Georgia,

most of the remaining bridges were built by the Kings

and are considered historic pieces protected by the

National Registry of Historic Places.

Covered bridges have a rich history in America, and

fortunately these days, they are treated like national

treasures protected by law and are preserved to be

enjoyed by generations to come.

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Covered bridges have been an integral part in

America’s history and growth. There are almost 200 of

them still being used and maintained for their

historical value. Since it first appeared in the early

19th century, these bridges have helped define the

towns that built them by connecting village folks to

services and infrastructures and directly connecting

communities together.

Built for practical and functional reasons, covered

bridges have become important pieces of history and

are registered as such in the National Register of

Historic Places. These days, modern bridges have been

built using concrete and steel but old covered bridges

still are considered to be more artistic and charming.

The following are the most popular among old covered

bridges that has maintained its rustic and historic

charm.

1. The Bridge of Sighs

Built by Henry Hutchinson, this famous bridge belongs

to Cambridge University and can be found in St John’s

College. It was built in 1831 and connects the

college’s Third Court with the New Court and crosses

over the River Cam. This gained popularity because of

the pranks played by some students by dangling a car

under the bridge. It was also named after the Bridge

of Sighs in Venice, Italy but the two bridges have

very little in common when it comes to their

architecture.

2. Bitzer’s Mill Covered Bridge

One of the oldest bridge still in use and enjoyed by

the townspeople. It is Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

This bridge is owned by the county and is maintained

using public money because of its historic value. It

was built by George Fink and Sam Reamsnyder in 1846

and it only cost $1,115 dollars to put up the bridge.

It has been called many names like Martin’s Mill

Bridge, Eberly’s Cider Mill Covered Bridge, and

Fiand’s/Fiantz’s Covered Bridge but its official

designation is Big Conestoga number 2 Bridge.

3. Bucher’s Mill Covered Bridge

Considered as the second shortest covered bridge in

America at 54 feet from one side to the other, this

historic piece is very popular among tourists. Just

like most covered bridge in the registry of historic

places, it is owned and maintained using public funds.

It was built in 1891 by Elias McMellen using only a

single span of wooden truss. The building of the

bridge only cost him $1,167. But when it was destroyed

due to heavy flooding a year after it was built,

McMellen rebuilt it for $1,025 -$142 cheaper than the

original cost.

4. Hunsecker’s Mill Covered Bridge

Located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United

States. It is the longest single span covered bridge

in the county at 180 feet long. It spans the Conestoga

River and has been destroyed and rebuilt for number of

times. The most recent being in 1972 when it was

destroyed by Hurricane Agnes. It was built in 1843 by

John Russell and it cost him around $1,988. When it

was last rebuilt, the cost came to about $321,302.

Though one of the most popular bridges in America, it

is sadly not registered as a historic place because

aside from the design, none of its original materials

were used on its reconstruction.

5. Schenk’s Mill Covered Bridge

Found in Pennsylvania, this covered bridge crosses the

Big Chiques Creek in Lancaster County. Built on a

single span Burr arch truss, this historic landmark is

painted red and is mainly made of oak. Red is the

traditional color of Lancaster County and most bridges

follow a red motif. It was added to the National

Register of Historic Places in 1980. It was built by

friends Charles Malhorn and Levi Fink in 1855, and has

since been and important landmark in the county,

remembered by tourists for its unforgettable color and

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These days, covered bridges are considered great

historical pieces or architecture that are protected

and preserved under the United States Law. There are

at least 200 covered bridges across America. Most of

them, especially the ones under the management and

protection of the National Registry of Historic

Places, were built in the early nineteenth century.

During that time, there was a huge movement of people

from coastal cities towards the interior of the

country where there were a lot of creeks, streams and

rivers. Towns and villages soon rose near these

waterways since they were the practical places for

thriving communities. The waterways also provided

power for their mills and a ready source of potable

water, which are very important for growing towns.

As these towns grew on both sides of the river, there

was an apparent need for bridges to connect the

townspeople together and provide access to important

infrastructures like schools, churches, and hospices.

Covered bridges then became the most practical

solution for connecting both sides of the river, thus

paving the way for growth and development.

But why cover these bridges? Was there a need?

Apparently yes, and there were lots of proposed

reasons why covered bridges became the norm during the

time. It is widely said that necessity is the mother

of innovation, and the walls and roofs of these

bridges did serve a very practical purpose far from

the aesthetics that most people appreciate nowadays.

The first reason for covering these bridges were to

make them appear like barns.

In the old days, crossing horses and farm animals on

bridges were more dangerous than it would seem.

Stampedes were common when horses and livestock were

forced to cross bridges and see the running waters of

the river. To avoid this, covering bridges made it

easier for farmers and animals to cross rivers and get

to the greener grass on the other side.

Another reason for building these bridges were to keep

snow off them during winter. Heavy snow fall could

spell disaster for small bridges with weaker support.

Another practical reason for making covered bridges

was to help accommodate travelers during bad weather.

Old covered bridges can shelter a small group stuck in

town because of a storm. It also made it easier for

townspeople to accommodate strangers during such

times.

A romantic reason proposed by an old poet said the

covered bridges also made it possible for young lovers

to steal a kiss from each other without getting caught

- rather unlikely but ironically, covered bridges

nowadays do serve a romantic purpose because it has

become quite fashionable to hold wedding ceremonies on

them. But the most widely popular reason for building

covered bridges is to expand the lifespan of the

bridge itself.

Wood, which is commonly used for these bridges, can

easily deteriorate if exposed to harsh weather

conditions all year round - heat in the summer and

extreme cold in the winter. Covered bridges lasted

three times longer than ordinary bridges because of

the protection the roof and walls provided. Insulation

was also good for wood and covered bridges allowed the

interior to maintain a uniform temperature providing

shade from the sun and rain - which made the bridge

last longer and practically safer for people to use.

No matter what the reason, covered bridges are

considered by many as romantic, historical pieces that

should be preserved and protected. They are part of

America’s history and protecting them should be a

priority for towns and counties where they can still

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Covered bridges have been around since ancient times.

In Babylon, some 780 years before the birth of Christ,

people have used the practicality of covered bridges

in their lives by using roofs and ceilings to protect

important bridges from the deteriorating effects of

the weather. They also served a militaristic purpose

as covered bridges are good spots to defend a palace

from invading forces because stone walls and ceilings

were obviously perfect in stopping arrows and spears.

America came to love this style of building bridges

since the early nineteenth century when Theodore Burr

built the first one in New York. People were

fascinated by the practicality and durability these

bridges offer. Two more were built in Oregon after the

first one but unfortunately floods destroyed them a

year after they were built. That did not deter the

rest of America from adapting the style however, as

the succeeding years since that time saw the building

of thousands all over America which ushered the era of

the covered bridges.

Covered bridges were the best and most practical

solution in connecting towns and villages growing on

both sides of a river. Ferries were the norm before

bridges became common but they were not good for a

developing economy. Owners of ferries could charge

whatever they want because they had the monopoly in

transportation. This led to a growing demand from

local townspeople to build bridges.

The local governments at the time, seeing the

importance of bridges, then started to put the

construction as their top priority. Putting on roofs

and walls made to protect the bridges was seen as

protecting the taxpayer’s investment since covered

bridges lasted up to three times longer than ordinary,

exposed ones.

They also serve a myriad of purposes, from providing

temporary shelters for travelers stuck because of bad

weather to a rendezvous point for secret lovers. No

matter what the purpose, the rest of the country fell

in love with covered bridges that the ones left now

are protected by law and seen as historic pieces worth

preserving.

There were at least 12,000 covered bridges all over

America at one time and there were around 3,500 of

them found in Ohio. However these days, because of

rapid commercialization, the availability of new

construction materials, and the durability of

cement-made bridges, wooden covered bridges are slowly

disappearing and have become very hard to find. Some

of the historic covered bridges were moved to private

estates and parks, while others could no longer be

found. Vandalism and arson have also played a role in

the destruction of covered bridges in Ohio where at

least 10 were destroyed in the last 20 years.

However these days great effort has been made in

protecting and preserving these bridges. In Fairfield

County, one can still see a covered bridge built in

1883. Though it was moved and partially reconstructed,

the same materials and styles were used to preserve

its historical integrity. College campuses, private

lands, fairgrounds, public parks, and government-owned

lands are a few places where you can still find a few

of these bridges still being used.

Covered bridges in Ohio are treated as public property

and therefore maintained and protected using public

funds. Form 3500, only over a hundred covered bridges

are left in Ohio where people are now taking on the

fight to preserve them. Ohioans has enjoyed and

benefited from covered bridges since they were first

made, and now the great-grand children of the state

are doing the best they can to stop the slow

disappearance of these historic landmarks that has

helped shape the economy and history of America.

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Covered bridges are great historical pieces that are

protected by law these days. In the United States,

there are at least 200 covered bridges registered

under the National Registry of Historic Places because

of their important role in a town’s or county’s

history.

Most of the covered bridges still being used today are

under the protection of the government and cannot be

easily demolished or reconstructed without the prior

permission of a local board set up to oversee the

maintenance and preservation of these historic land

marks. Most of them were built in the early nineteenth

century when there was a huge movement of people from

coastal cities toward the interior of the country

where there are a lot of creeks, streams, and raging

rivers. As towns developed, there was an apparent need

for people to be connected and thus covered bridges

were constructed.

But did you know that covered bridges’ history dates

back at least two thousand years? There were ancient

covered bridges in China and even in Babylon 780 years

before the birth of Christ. These ancient covered

bridges, according to written history, were more like

architectural masterpieces used to accentuate the

landscape of imperial palaces and gardens. But they

also served a more practical purpose: covered bridges

were perfect for protecting palaces and important

places from being stormed by rebels or invading

armies. Some ancient covered bridges were made of

stone and because of its walls and ceilings, were

perfect spots to hide from arrows and spears while

fighting.

In America, covered bridges first appeared in the

early part of the 1800’s. The first was built by

Theodore Burr in New York. His name is also being used

these days as a name of a truss usually used in

building covered bridges: the Burr truss. The bridge

spanned the Hudson River and was named the Waterford

Bridge.

Waterford lasted for over a hundred years but since

then the idea of covered bridges became more popular

and started to gain popularity in the western part of

the country. The first and second covered bridges in

recorded American history can be found in Oregon City

where they have become important infrastructures in

joining communities developing in both sides of the

river. They were eventually destroyed by heavy

flooding in 1853.

Aside from the beauty and practicality of covered

bridges, they were also a necessary move in ensuring

the economic development of towns and villages in

early America. In the days prior to their

construction, ferries were the only ways to go around

towns developing on opposite sides of a river. Because

of the importance of connecting townspeople to

important places like schools, government offices, and

churches, ferries had the monopoly in transportation

and could charge people, especially businessmen who

needed to move heavy loads of merchandise, absurd

amounts as they wanted.

That in turn created a demand from townspeople to the

local government asking them to build bridges. Since

financing the construction cost a lot, people

entertained the idea of protecting these bridges with

roofs and walls. Exposed wood can deteriorate quickly

when exposed to harsh weather conditions, and since it

was expensive to build bridges, taxpayers wanted them

to be protected. And that ushered in the era of

covered bridges in America.

Covered bridges also provided jobs for people in towns

where they were built. And soon architects and

carpenters were competing on innovative ideas. One

idea was to make covered bridges look like barns as to

make livestock crossing it more comfortable, avoiding

dangerous stampedes common when forcing animals to

cross rivers. Since the early 19th century, covered

bridges have slowly made its mark in towns’ history

and though it experienced a slow decline due to rapid

commercialization and the introduction of cement and

other modern building materials, covered bridges are

now considered to be historic pieces worth preserving.

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Covered bridges have been around since ancient China.

Recorded Chinese history has mentioned them since the

early dynasties. In America, covered bridges first

appeared around 1805 and have seen a gradual growth in

construction. In Europe, they have existed since the

medieval times and there were once hundreds of them

scattered in many countries such as Germany and

Switzerland.

In North America, wooden covered bridges have seen

it’s height in the 19th century. With a lot of surplus

in lumber and the need for connecting the different

parts of the country, the ingenuity of the Yankees has

been put to good use by the construction of these

works of art. Covered bridges not only allowed the

interconnecting of different towns but it also paved

the way to incorporating art and engineering. Bridges

are not that easy to make, and covered bridges, as

agreed upon by many engineers, are considered to be

great engineering marvels incorporating practicality

and aesthetics in the design.

North America has a lot of covered bridges and more

are built everyday. But why are there so many? The

north is a land filled with rivers and streams and as

the population grew in the early part of the

nineteenth century, a lot of people made their way

into the interior parts of the land to find areas

suitable for agriculture and livelihood.

As the years went by, villages started to grow in the

most convenient of places — near a water source. The

waterways where these early American villages sprung

up on were convenient sources of water and sources of

power used for running mills. And as villages started

to grow on both sides of the rivers, bridges became

the obvious solution in connecting a village together.

Communities need to be connected and bridges became an

integral part of village life. It provided access for

townspeople to many infrastructures like schools,

churches and stores where supplies can be bought.

Why the Need to Cover Them?

There are many theories on why these old, vintage

bridges were covered. The most obvious is for

protection. According to town records, covered bridges

lasted three times longer than ordinary bridges

because it is more protected against the elements.

Also people have known that covered bridges need

lesser maintenance compared to bridges that don’t have

any protection. But for many, the reason for covering

bridges is a more aesthetic one. Covered bridges have

gained popularity because of its ability to please the

eye. Many towns are even remembered because of the

beautiful covered bridges that can still be seen and

enjoyed by tourists. Though nobody knows for sure,

these two reasons are the most apparent.

The State of Iowa is where the most famous covered

bridges in America can be found - specifically in

Madison County, where according to records, nineteen

bridges used to exist. Now only six survived and are

now considered to be landmarks with government budget

for maintenance.

Covered bridges are part of America’s history and now

restoration projects are being proposed all over the

country to preserve these engineering wonders that has

defined the towns where they can be found. If you go

on a road trip to the inner states, be sure to take a

picture of some of these bridges - they are truly as

important as many historical landmarks are.

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