The era of Indiana’s covered bridges started in the early 1830’s
When the National Road first crossed the state. The first covered
Bridge was built in 1835 in Henry County. It is estimated that
Between 400-500 covered bridges could have existed in Indiana.
In 1998, only 93 covered bridges remain in Indiana. Many
Bridges have fallen victim to local lack of concern, forces
Of nature and arson. The Indiana Covered Bridge Society is
trying to raise awareness and appreciation of these vanishing
structures and their impact on local history.
Wooden bridges are built with a roof and walls to protect the main
structure from the rain, snow, sun and wind. Snow and rain
will soak in and cause the timber to rot. Sun and wind will dry
the surface of the beams and cause them to become fragile and
useless.
Wind also carries dust and pollutants which can attack and erode wood
fairly fast.
Bridges were also built covered to facilitate the passage of
horse-drawn vehicles without causing the animal to be distracted or spooked by
fast moving waters below.
Since I live in Indiana, I have included a bit of Indiana's
history on covered bridges. Squares DO NOT have to be covered
bridges in Indiana.
