Medora Covered Bridge

The Medora Covered Bridge is the longest covered bridge in the United states with the entire original historic truss still in place with some repairs but no structural changes.[1][2] Measuring the clear span (abutment face to abutment face) of 431'10",[3] the Medora Covered Bridge is the longest historic covered bridge in the United States.[4][5] The roof length of 461'[6] and the siding at the floor length of 459' [7] are also the longest historic covered bridge measurements in the U.S..

Medora Covered Bridge
LocationMedora, Indiana
Coordinates38°49′07″N 86°08′50″W
ArchitectJoseph J. Daniels
Architectural styleBurr Arch Truss
NRHP reference No.07000977
Added to NRHPSeptember 19, 2007

Location

The Medora Covered Bridge is located in Carr Township in Jackson County, Indiana, and crosses the East Fork of the White River running parallel to State Road 235. It is approximately one mile east of Medora and nine miles southwest of Brownstown.

History

The Medora Covered Bridge was built in 1875 by J.J. Daniels at a cost of $18,142.00 and took nine months to build. The bridge was covered to protect the truss from the elements. Before the bridge was built people crossed the river by ferry.[8]

It has been reported but not verified that at one time there was wooden railing down the middle of the bridge separating the two way traffic. As the vehicles became wider, the railing was removed and it was then one way.

Until 1935 the bridge carried U.S. Route 50 when it (U.S. 50) was moved four miles to the north.[9]

In 1968 the bridge was scheduled for demolition when the new modern parallel bridge was to be opened but was saved by an order from then Governor Whitcomb in 1971.[10]

A modern parallel bridge was opened in 1973. The covered bridge was closed to vehicular traffic at that time.[11]

In 2007, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historic Places

In June 2011 a rehab of the bridge was completed. The original truss remained in place with a few repairs. The cedar shake shingles, siding (Seven of the original boards, identified by square nail holes, were placed on the north side of the far west end.), pilons and some of the rafters were replaced. Except for the shingles, most of these items were original but badly deteriorated. Much of the flooring was replaced but was not original.[12]

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See also

References
  1. Indiana Department Of Transportation, Bridge Plans, Project No. 0101359, Medora Covered Bridge
  2. Guidelines For Rehabilitating Covered Bridges, Christopher Marston and Thomas A. Vitanza, pages 128-139
  3. Specifications for Medora Covered Bridge by J.J. Daniels
  4. Tippin, Morris; Barker, P.E., James (Summer 2014). Indiana Crossings, "Which Bridge Is the Longest Historic Covered Bridge?". Indiana Covered Bridge Society. p. 3.
  5. Miller, Terry E. (Winter 2015). "Is There a "Longest Historical Covered Bridge" in the United States?". Covered Bridge Topics.
  6. Buildings at fair pique peoples interest in history, Zach Spicer, Seymour Tribune, 07/24/19
  7. William Cotterman, Architect, Indianapolis, IN
  8. "Indiana State Historic Architectural and Archaeological Research Database (SHAARD)" (Searchable database). Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology. Retrieved 2016-04-01. Note: This includes J.A. Barker Engineering and Fleeta Arthur (May 2006). "National Register of Historic Places Inventory Nomination Form: Medora Covered Bridge" (PDF). Retrieved 2016-04-01. and Accompanying photographs.
  9. First Documented History of Jackson County, Indiana. 1816-1976, Volume 2 by Edwin J. Boley, Page 337
  10. Outdoor Indiana Magazine; Herbert R. Hill, Editor; Sept 1971; p.23.
  11. Seymour Daily Tribune ; Sat, Oct. 13, 1973; Col 4-8; p. 1.
  12. Indiana Department Of Transportation, Bridge Plans, Project No. 0101359, Medora Covered Bridge

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