Bridges of Indiana's Counties - Parke County - #51 Catlin (16/31)

The Catlin Covered Bridge in its second home.
7/3/2009        dwm photo

One can imagine what the builder of the Catlin Bridge might think if he knew it now helps golfers cross a small creek to their next shot.

I picture disbelief, embarrassment, and raucous laughter.

The bridge is named for Catlin, a small Parke County village founded in 1820.

Later settlers, coincidentally named Catlin (surprise!), thought it would be an ideal place to ship goods south to those fighting the Civil War.

The bridge came later.

The refurbished Catlin Bridge moved
to a golf course in 1961.
7/3/2009   (dwm)

According to local history, a poultry farm started near the end of the 19th century and the town built around it.  Coal mines opened nearby.  The bridge crossed Sunderland Creek in 1907.

A natural disaster destroyed the mines 12 years later leaving Catlin as an agricultural center with stockyards and a railroad line.

The bridge stood on the main road and the heavy traffic took its toll until it closed.  It took time, but eventually it was moved to the Rockville Golf Course where it crosses a stream named for the creator of the course.

Parke Co, IN
internet image

Catlin Covered Bridge

Built: 1907 by Clark McDaniel

Style: Burr Arch

Location: Over Sunderland Creek moved 1961 to Rockville Golf Course where it sits over Bill Diddle Creek.

Length: 54 feet over Bill Diddle Creek