Bridges of Indiana's Counties - Montgomery Co. - #33 Deer's Mill

Deer's Mill Covered Bridge   10/29/2011  dwm photo

Timing is important in life.  It's important when it comes to photography too.

My visit to the Deer's Mill Covered Bridge took advantage of the autumn leaves on the surrounding hills.

Just as nice, but out of control, was the sunshine and blue sky which created good conditions for taking pictures.

Deer's Mill is named for the man who started the small community in 1829, Joel Deer.  He set up grist and saw mills along Sugar Creek.

Deer's Mill bridge over Sugar Creek.
dwm photo

The bridge came much later in 1878 when J.J. Daniels put it up.  As you travel the state, you will see a lot of Joseph J. Daniels covered bridges dotting the Hoosier landscape.

It didn't move, but it is now part of Shades State Park, a beautiful setting.  I especially liked the view (upper left) which offered a view of the bridge, valley, and hillside.

Deer's Mill is in the south west corner of Montgomery county - directly south west of Darlington (1/25/2018 covered bridge).

Plan an autumn visit to Deer's Mill.
dwm photo

There is virtually no historic information online about the bridge.  The still unincorporated community never took off like Joel Deer certainly hoped.  The bridge seem to have been built to get grain and wood to the grist and saw mills.

There is a waterfall nearby, so this was likely the best location to get across Sugar Creek.

Thankfully a bridge was built.  I'm especially thankful it survives all these years later.  It's worth a trip northwest out of Indianapolis on I-74.

Montgomery County
internet image

Deer's Mill Covered Bridge

Built: 1878

Style:  Burr Arch

Length:  275 feet, two-span, over Sugar Creek

Visit other Covered Bridges here.