Bridgeton Covered Bridge

The first Bridgeton Covered Bridge was a long double span Burr Arch bridge built in 1868 by a crew led by J. J. Daniels. The bridge was closed to traffic in 1967. It had been built to replace two prior open wooden bridges that had fallen in.[1] After its destruction by fire, it was replaced in 2006 by a reproduction.

Bridgeton Covered Bridge
Rebuilt Bridgeton Covered Bridge (2006-Present)
Coordinates39°38′57.82″N 87°10′34.43″W
CarriesPedestrian traffic
CrossesBig Raccoon Creek
LocaleBridgeton, Indiana
Official nameBridgeton Bridge
Named forBridgeton, Indiana
Characteristics
DesignBurr arch truss bridge
MaterialSandstone block (foundations)
Trough constructionWood
Pier constructionUnknown
Total length267 ft (81.4 m) (includes 11 ft (3.4 m) overhangs on each end)
Width13 ft (4.0 m)
Longest span122.5 ft (37.3 m)
No. of spans2
Piers in water1
Clearance above12 ft (3.7 m)
History
Constructed byDan Collom & local community
Construction cost$125,000
OpenedOctober 1, 2006
Bridgeton Covered Bridge
Old bridge
Coordinates 39°38′56″N 87°10′34″W
CarriesBridgeton Road
Bridge bypassed in 1967
CrossesBig Raccoon Creek
LocaleBridgeton, Indiana
Official nameBridgeton Bridge
Named forBridgeton, Indiana
WGCB #14-61-04[1]
Characteristics
DesignBurr arch truss bridge
MaterialSandstone block (foundations)
Trough constructionWood
Pier constructionUnknown
Total length267 ft (81.4 m) (includes 11 ft (3.4 m) overhangs on each end)
Width13 ft (4.0 m)
Longest span122.5 ft (37.3 m)
No. of spans2
Piers in water1
Clearance above12 ft (3.7 m)
History
Construction cost$10,200
Bridgeton Covered Bridge (#8)
Location of Bridgeton Covered Bridge
Location of Bridgeton Covered Bridge
Location of Bridgeton Covered Bridge
Built1868 (1868)
Built byJ. J. Daniels
DemolishedApril 28, 2005 (Arson)
WebsiteBridgeton Bridge
Part ofParke County Covered Bridges TR (ID64000193)
NRHP reference No.78000386 [2]
Added to NRHPDecember 22, 1978

First bridge

About 1823, Kockwood and Silliman built the first mill, in the location that would develop a bad reputation and often be referred to as "Sodom", on Big Raccoon Creek. Later, in an attempt to change the town's reputation, the town would become Bridgeton after the earlier bridge. The first mill was owned by Oniel and Wasson and later be bought by James Searing. From 1850 to 1860, James A. Rea would run the mill. In 1862, the mill would change hands to Ralph Sprague and burn down in 1869. James Rea would go on to rebuild the mill in 1871, and Joseph Cole would operate it. Daniel Webster bought it in 1882, and sold it to P.T. Winney in 1889. The mill would not change hands again until June 1914, when George Brake and Fred Mitchell purchased it. According to Mr. Brake, the south half of the dam was built in 1913, with the remaining half finished in 1916. The dam is constructed of concrete and is 225 ft (69 m) long and 9 ft (2.7 m) high.[3]

The first bridge to be built was of open design with wood rails and piers. While crossing the first bridge Owen Wimmer and his family were dropped into the mill pond along with their wagon and team when the bridge fell in. J.H. Kerr and others were able to rescue them. A second bridge of similar construction was erected at the same site. This bridge fell in also just after J.H. Kerr had driven cattle across. The covered bridge was then built in 1868, at the same location, just above the mill dam, with the abutments attached to the dam structure.

Three people submitted bids in 1868, for the contract to build the bridge, these bids would include three different styles of bridges. One bid was from a Mr. Epperson using an Howe Plan for $16,000. Wheelock and McCoy submitted two plans, one was to use a Burr Plan for $17,400 and the second using a Smith Plan for $10,200. Ultimately the bid was awarded to J. J. Daniels and his Burr Plan for $10,200. The "Daniels Portals" were to be later squared off and, after the bridge's closing in 1967, to traffic, benches and steps were added at the portals.

The present mill has been converted to run on electric power. Robert Weis and the Weis Milling Company operated the mill until 1995 when it was purchased by Mike Roe. The current owner has restored the mill and produces over 20 different milled products.

The bridge was destroyed by arson on April 28, 2005. Jesse Payne was taken into custody near the Mansfield Covered Bridge a short time later. He is suspected of burning the Jeffries Ford Covered Bridge also and attempted arson of the Mansfield Covered Bridge. Due to his mental state, he is being detained at the Logansport State Hospital until he is found fit to stand trial.[4][5] The community would rally though and rebuild the bridge.[6]

Second bridge

The second Bridgeton Covered Bridge was built in 2006, by local citizens and the state of Indiana.[7][8]

  • Original Bridgeton Bridge 1900
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See also

References
  1. "Bridgeton Covered Bridge (#8)". Covered Bridges. Retrieved 25 November 2019.
  2. "National Register Information System – Bridgeton Covered Bridge (#8) (#78000386)". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. January 23, 2007. Retrieved September 17, 2018.
  3. "Indiana State Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD)" (Searchable database). Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology. Retrieved 2016-06-01. Note: This includes Charles Felkner (December 1977). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form: Parke County Covered Bridge Historic District" (PDF). Retrieved 2016-06-01., Site map, and Accompanying photographs.
  4. http://www.coveredbridgesociety.org/newsletters/fall06.html
  5. http://www.in.gov/judiciary/opinions/pdf/10110602par.pdf
  6. http://bridgetonindiana.com/attractions/new_coveredbridge.htm
  7. Rebuilding the Bridgeton Covered Bridge - BridgetonIndiana.com
  8. Wabash Men Join Community in Rebuilding Covered Bridge

Further reading

Media related to Bridgeton Covered Bridge at Wikimedia Commons

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