On the Road … Covered Bridges

Fun Fact: In 1805, the completion of the 495 foot Schuylkill Bridge in Philadelphia marked the first recorded covered bridge in America.

Indiana had as many as 600 covered bridges, but only seven remain in the southeastern region of the state, with one in Dearborn County, four in Franklin County, and two in Ripley County.

The covered design was less for privacy (Kissing Bridge is a romanticized term) than it was for longevity. The roof and sides were built to protect the terribly expensive structure of the bridge itself. A roof could be easily repaired or even replaced, but trusses and joints were sizable investments that communities were loath to lose after every storm or flood.

Today, day trippers and history buffs can easily visit the still standing covered bridges of Southeastern Indiana.

Heading north on SR1 from Lawrenceburg, look to the left for the Guilford Bridge built by the Archibald Kennedy family over 140 years ago. Plan to spend a little time enjoying the picnic area and playground on your visit.

Next, drive west into Ripley County. The Busching Bridge, built in 1885 by Thomas Hardman is located at the entrance to the Versailles State Park and remains a well-used and picturesque route into the town of Versailles.

After a short drive to Enochsburg in Franklin County, discover the 1891 Stockheughter Bridge. It is open to daily traffic, as is the slightly younger Snow Hill Bridge in West Harrison. This refurbished covered bridge has spanned Johnson Fork since its original construction in 1895.

Time travel does exist when you embark on the road to history and fun!