Made popular by a Hollywood movie in the 1990s the covered bridges of Madison County have gained popularity both from tourists and local people alike. Many people are now visiting these bridges to see what the fuss in the movie was all about.
The following are a few of the most famous of all the covered bridges located in Madison County. From the original 19, only 6 remain and are now under the protection of the National Registry of Historical Places.
1. Cedar Covered Bridge
This well known covered bridge is 76 feet long and was also featured in the book by Robert James Waller which was adapted into the Academy Award wining movie. In the book, this is where Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood’s characters met to take photographs.
This was also the last of the bridges to be opened to vehicles. However, these days, largely because of its historical importance, only pedestrians are allowed to use the bridge.
In the late 2002, the bridge was severely damaged by fire and rendered unsafe and fit for demolition. Fortunately, the bridge was rebuilt using the original materials and method, thanks to the townspeople, who wanted to preserve its historic integrity.
2. Imes Covered Bridge
This bridge has been moved three times since it was constructed in 1870. Imes is one of the oldest bridges in the county and it has an 81 feet span. It is currently located on the eastern side of St. Charles, over a deep ravine. It has been there since 1977 and was last refurbished in 1997.
3. Roseman Covered Bridge
This is one of the most famous of Madison County’s covered bridges, being the main one featured in the movie. It was built in 1883 by Benton Jones and it has never moved an inch, even after undergoing a few reconstructions, the latest being in 1992 to prepare it for being a Hollywood movie set.
One of the most famous stories associated with this particular bridge is that of an escaped convict who was trapped by the sheriff’s men on the bridge in 1892. The story goes that the escapee was wrongfully accused and escaped to prove his innocence. Finding himself trapped, he then allegedly uttered an unearthly cry of frustration at his being proclaimed guilty. Then suddenly, he rose up through the bridge’s roof as if he were a ghost. The man was never seen again and after the incident it was then decided that a person capable of such a miraculous feat must indeed be innocent of all crimes.
4. Holliwell Covered Bridge
Holliwell covered bridge is one of the longest bridges of Madison County, with a span of 122 ft. It is also featured in the movie The Bridges of Madison County.
Spanning the Middle River, this bridge still remains in its original site since it was built in 1880, again by Benton Jones with the support of the town.
5. Hogback Covered Bridge
This historic piece of architecture, constructed in 1884, was originally located in Winterset. It was named after a ridge made of limestone which can be found in the western side of the famous valley. It was last renovated in the early 1990s and is now protected and maintained using public funds.