Quick fun fact (at least for those who are into bridges): Indiana is home to 86 covered bridges, most of which are historic and all of which are, without a doubt, pretty cool to explore. Of these nearly 100 bridges, it only follows that one of them must be the oldest of the bunch - and in our case, it's still standing! The Cades Mill Bridge is located in Fountain County and stands closer to 200 years old than 100. Built in 1854, this bridge is a photogenic testament to just how awe-inspiring our state's history is. Come check out the oldest covered bridge in Indiana - you'll love it!
Cades Mill Covered Bridge is found, perhaps predictably, on Cades Road crossing Coal Creek.
It was built in 1854 - making it the oldest covered bridge in Indiana, despite what other sources might claim. This is THE oldest bridge in the state, and unfortunately, its age began to show some years back.
A bypass route saw the closure of the bridge to street traffic in 1979, more than a century after the bridge was initially built.
Talk about excellent craftsmanship.
In 2019, an assessment of the bridge was conducted and it was found that, frighteningly, there was a huge issue: a broken chord threatened the very being of the entire bridge.
But repairs were expensive - upward of a half-million dollars - and funds would need to be raised to make this happen.
And so, it began: a community effort to rescue the oldest covered bridge in Indiana.
And, well, I'm thrilled to report that it went well! After all these years of hustling for the funds to repair the old bridge, the money has been raised - and restoration efforts will be underway as of this spring (2024).
Once upon a time, Fountain County was home to six covered bridges. Today, it's only got three.
And while Parke County, Indiana, is considered the covered bridge capital of the world, the folks here in Fountain County are happy to lay claim to the single eldest of them all.
Thanks to the efforts of the local history buffs, it looks like Cades Mill Bridge will be here to stay for at least another century or two.
...or so we hope.
If you're like me and you find old historic landmarks to be fascinating, I think you'll adore a trip to this old bridge - even if just for a day trip. For even MORE covered bridges that I'm sure you'll love, check out ten more of the best covered bridges in Indiana. If you're going to road trip it, then you can't do without our ultimate road trip snack packing list.
Do you have a favorite covered bridge in Indiana? Tell me about it!
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