Bridges of Indiana's Counties - Parke Co. #47 - Neet (13/31)

Little Raccoon Creek from the Neet Covered Bridge
7/3/2009   dwm photo

It was bypassed in 1996, but kept its footing in a park created around it with a picnic table at its entry portal.

It's a neat bridge.  And, it is the Neet Bridge.

Named for nearby landowner Joe Neet, it seems the honor came his way by proximity alone.

The bridge's place in history comes from its status as the last one contracted by builder J. J. Daniels.  While the Parke County bridge guide says he may have built another, it was contracted by someone else.

Looking across the bridge.
7/3/2009 dwm

My favorite part of the Neet Bridge are the windows looking over Little Raccoon Creek.  Since there is no bridge traffic, it is a peaceful spot where you can hear the gurgles and pops of water.

Just six miles out of Rockville, it is on a primary route to see covered bridges during the annual Bridge Festival.  It is quiet the rest of the year.

The windows are on the other side.
dwm photo

The windows serve a purpose.

It allows the buggy driver, or vehicle driver, the opportunity to look for oncoming traffic approaching from the left.

Maybe the windows were a late addition, but it makes sense that blind turns with horses on a one-lane bridge are a bad idea.

Just as noteworthy is the only item related to its history since Daniels built it in 1904.  The only other work done was by a troop of Boy Scouts in 1989 when the Rockville scouts repainted it.

Parke Co., IN
internet image

Neet Covered Bridge

Built: 1904 by J. J. Daniels

Style: Burr Arch Truss single span

Length:  126 feet over Little Raccoon Creek

There are a lot more bridges to explore, click here!