The Covered Bridges of Madison County

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The Covered Bridges of Madison County

Covered Bridges
Covered bridges symbolize small-town America. Something from the nineteenth century, a little archaic and strange to nineteen-nineties eyes, picturesque and sentimental, "kissing bridges" recall a time when life was simpler and closer to the land -- if only in our dreams. Covered bridges complement autumn leaves and autumn emotions. Photogenic and often remote from the Interstate Highways and cities of the twentieth century, covered bridges lure the explorer to find the little streams and dirt roads that the twentieth century has almost passed by.

Iowa Flag

Along the Byways of Iowa

There were 19 covered bridges in Madison County at one time. Six remain, and all are listed with the National Register of Historic Places. They were covered to protect the floors from the weather. A Bridge without the cover would last 10-15 years and as you can see... with a cover.... they are still going strong. There are two bridges with steep roofs and four flat. Most of the bridges were built by local farmers. Trading labor to pay off the poll taxes. They were named for the nearest residents. Most of the existing bridges were built between 1855 and 1885 at an average cost of $900. to $1,200. Average reconstruction cost of a bridge has been $140,000.00. (Courtesy of The Shopper & Madisonian)

This is the McBride Covered Bridge that was destroyed by arson in the 1980's.

McBride Covered Bridge

Photo courtesy of' 'Bragu

The Mcbride bridge was entered into the National Register of Historic Places September 14, 1976.

ABOUT COVERED BRIDGES

Covered bridges were constructed to withstand heavy rains. High-quality timber was more accessible in this area than was more costly steel and concrete. Covered bridges are similar in design to steel truss bridges, however, the shortage of steel during World War I contributed to the need to use wood as bridge building material. House-type structures over these wooden bridges protect the wood trusses and floor planking from the elements and more than doubles the life expectancy of the bridge. As early as 1918, plans for covered bridges had become standardized to include open windows for light and ventilation together with such features as laminated floors and interior whitewashing. The covered bridges still standing represent many hours of skilled hand labor.

Click on a link below to check out "The Bridges".

Cedar Roseman Imes Cutler/Donahue Hogback Holliwell Tourist Info Madison County Links

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This is not an official Web site for the Bridges of Madison County.

We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of The Shopper and The Madisonian

for their providing pictures and details of these memorable bridges.

This Web site is in no manner affiliated with, The Bridges of Madison

County, Madison County, Iowa, Winterset, Iowa, The National Register of

Historic Places, The Shopper and the The Madisonian.