Bridges of Indiana's Counties - Jennings Co. #26 James

James Covered Bridge    6/25/2011 dwm photo

One scene which sticks in my mind for nearly all the covered bridges we saw over three years was the very first look at it.

In some cases, the bridge was in the distance.  Other times, it made a dramatic appearance as we came around a corner.

My first look at the James Covered Bridge was subtle.  In between the trees, at the end of a long stretch of asphalt it was nearly invisible.  The most obvious part of the bridge was a bright roof.

James Bridge is an interesting name.

One reference offers "James Creek" as an alternative name for the crossing.  But it crosses Big Graham Creek, so that doesn't add up.

Down the road to
the James Bridge.
dwm photo

James is actually named for Thomas S. James who owned the property next to the bridge and a mill powered by the creek.

It was dubbed the "kissing bridge" by the James children and succeeding generations who used the river crossing as a place to park the horse and buggy.

The first view, peaking at us from behind a tree was a great introduction.  Up close, it was better.  The one lane bridge is open and it angles across the creek on a quiet tree-lined road.

From the other side, I walked to the edge of a corn field to get a pastoral view of the bridge as it looked back in 1887.

James Bridge crosses Big Graham Creek in
Jennings County, Indiana.    dwm photo

It was fantastic the day of our visit.

I enjoyed walking through and around it.

Living pieces of history like the James Bridge tell a story by their presence, and I heard it loud and clear.

Unfortunately, I didn't find too much history beyond its inception and refurbishment.  No doubt, it was a key part of commerce in Jennings County as it brought farmers to the James mill to grind their grain.

Jennings County, IN
internet image

James Covered Bridge Facts
Built: 1887
Style: Howe Truss
Length: 124 feet across Big Graham Creek in Jennings County

Catch up on other Covered Bridge blogs by clicking here.