Bridges of Indiana's Counties - Parke Co - #58 Roseville (23/31)

The Roseville bridge stretches 263 feet.  7/3/2009  dwm photo

The original Roseville Bridge was built in 1849 by J.J. Daniels, then burned down in 1910.

It's replacement was built the same year, as the bridge was vital for area businesses.

According to the story found on the bridge's Wikipedia page, county commissioners didn't want to build another covered bridge, favoring concrete instead.

The bids for the project must have been too high, as they ultimately decided to rebuild.  It remains 118 years later.

All clear!
10/29/2011 dwm photo

We visited this bridge a couple times.

While  I was able to get below it for pictures of it spanning the water; I never walked across or captured any shots from the other side.

My recollection is this bridge was busy and I waited several times for traffic to clear before shooting again.

Just the right amount of weathering creates a perfect patina.

It hasn't been without attention since 1910 though.  There was significant work done in 1977.

Big Raccoon Creek slides under the bridge.
7/3/2009  dwm photo

The area near the bridge was home to several mines, including mining sand for glass-making.  The original Coca-Cola bottles were made with sand from this area which reportedly created the bottle's green hue.

Also part of the bridge's legend are the two arsonists blamed for setting two fires including the one which destroyed it.

While sitting in prison, the sang about it, "We set fire to the sand plant. And went up on the ridge.  And it didn't prove successful. So we went and burned the bridge."

Thankfully, we have a second one to enjoy.

Parke Co, IN
internet image

Roseville Covered Bridge Facts:

Also known as: Roseville - Coxville Bridge

Built: 1910 by J. P. Van Fossen

Style:  Burr Arch

Length: 263 feet over Big Raccoon Creek

You can see more of my covered bridge collection here.