Indiana Covered Bridges

A symbol of Indiana's past, the covered bridge still evokes feelings of nostalgia, romance, and even mystery. During the 19th century, over 500 of these handsome structures spanned the streams, rivers, and ravines of Indiana. Plagued by floods, fire, storms, neglect, and arson, today fewer than 100 remain. Marsha Williamson Mohr's photographs capture the timeless and simple beauty of these well-traveled structures from around the state, including Parke County—the unofficial covered bridge capital of the world. With 105 color photographs, Indiana's Covered Bridges will appeal to everyone who treasures Indiana's rich architectural heritage.

Once there were hundreds of 19th-century and very early 20th-century covered bridges in Indiana--so many in fact, that the state ranked third in the nation in the number of structures still standing. By the early 1930s and 1940s, a movement was afoot to preserve those magnificent structures that had not already disappeared due to desertion and deterioration. Some were saved, but many were not. What was saved and cherished, however, was an abundance of vintage black and white images taken by pioneer photographers who willingly trekked from bridge to bridge decades ago. Captured in this volume are nearly 200 of those photographs from the mid-20th century and before, representing more than 36 Indiana counties from Adams County to Wells County.

A symbol of Indiana's past, the covered bridge still evokes feelings of nostalgia, romance, and even mystery. During the 19th century, over 500 of these handsome structures spanned the streams, rivers, and ravines of Indiana. Plagued by floods, fire, storms, neglect, and arson, today fewer than 100 remain. Marsha Williamson Mohr's photographs capture the timeless and simple beauty of these well-traveled structures from around the state, including Parke County—the unofficial covered bridge capital of the world. With 105 color photographs, Indiana's Covered Bridges will appeal to everyone who treasures Indiana's rich architectural heritage.

With its beautiful meadows and countless meandering streams, picturesque Parke County, Indiana, is home to 31 historic covered bridges, ranging from 43 to 315 feet long. Every October, the county hosts the Covered Bridge Festival, which draws more than two million people nationwide to the courthouse lawn in Rockville. From there, tourists set off to visit the bridges and Billy Creek Village, and to seek out the arts and crafts fairs located in each of the festival's nine communities. Photographer Marsha Williamson Mohr has spent years in the area, capturing spellbinding images of the bridges and nearby farms and the natural beauty of the area, season by season. The warmth and vitality of Parke County brings her back time and time again, and this gorgeous photographic collection will call you back as well.

A history of the Indiana county’s thirteen covered bridges, featuring charming stories from local residents and stunning archival photographs. The covered bridge has long been a symbol of Indiana’s past, evoking feelings of romance and nostalgia. These feats of engineering span the rivers and streams that crisscross the county. Jeremy Boshears’ photographs capture the beauty of the bridges dotting the riverbanks of Monroe County. With 121 color photographs, The Covered Bridges of Monroe County will appeal to everyone who treasures these iconic structures.