Bridges of Indiana's Counties - #43 Parke Co. - Billie Creek (9/31)

Billie Creek Bridge, Rockville, IN.
July, 2009   dwm photo

As I write this post, nearly nine years after visiting Billie Creek Village, I have no idea if it is still open.

I hope so.  But, since it's own website is promoting the 2016 Covered Bridge Festival (today is 4/12/2018), I doubt it.

The Billie Creek Bridge is part of the village and a crossing over Williams Creek.

The name of the bridge is the creek's nickname - which is rather endearing.

Builder J. A. Brittton was credited with the original Billie Creek bridge, but it didn't last because it wasn't covered.

J.J. Daniel's built the replacement in 1895.

It was part of the Pikes Peak Highway, just like last week's featured Sim Smith bridge.

Driving on to the Billie bridge.
July, 2009  (dwm)

Billie wasn't the only bridge we drove across in our bridge collecting.  It was the only one we drove over while I took pictures from the passenger's seat.

I leaned out window to click three dozen shots as we drove thru.

It must be one of the least expensive covered bridge construction projects - the winning bid was $820.

The sandstone cut in a nearby quarry and moved to the site to hold the bridge at each end wasn't in the bid.  I bet for more than $820.

A short crossing over namesake
Williams Creek. 7/2009 (dwm)

The village was built around the Billie Creek bridge with two other bridges - Beeson (to be featured 4/26/18) and Leatherwood (5/24/18) - and several vintage other structures including a general store.

The bridge is the workhorse, much like the thousands of horses which pulled wagons and buggies across through the years.

It's still a crucial passage for school buses and other traffic.  Otherwise it takes a two mile detour.

Half-way across
7/2009   (dwm)

Fittingly perhaps, there isn't much history about the bridge other than its construction available online.

Which aligns with most covered bridges.  They were built quickly, simply, and cheaply to do a job.

A job the bridge performed with little fanfare until they became obsolete, relics from pre-automotive times.

That was when these elegant bridges were recognized for the utilitarian pieces of art they were.

Parke Co, IN
internet image

Billie Creek Covered Bridge

Built:  1895  (second bridge on the site)

Builder: J.J. Daniels

Style:  Burr Arch

Length: 62 feet over Williams Creek

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