Bridges of Indiana's Counties - Parke Co - #55 Wilkins Mill (20/31)

Wilkins Mill Bridge is 1/2 mile northwest
of Turkey Run State Park. 7/3/09 (dwm)

When I met the Wilkins Mill bridge in 2009, it reminded me of a family with that name I knew in the eastern part of the state.  I never asked if there was any relation, but that seems unlikely.

Mr. Wilkins, according to the bridge bio, is a businessman who bought the original carding mill in 1855 then tore it down to build another one.

Just in case you don't know (I didn't), a carding mill prepared wool for spinning by brushing the wool fibers so they would lay properly.

It was an operation replaced by advanced weaving machines in the early 20th century.

His mill burned down in 1877.  Its replacement lasted until 1947.

The bridge is all that's left of the mill's hey-day.

A quiet road leads through the trees to
the tidy bridge. 7/3/2009  dwm photo

Location, location, location is important in selling a home.  It is also important to covered bridges.  Its location in Parke County makes the Wilkins Mill Bridge a regular stop for covered bridge tourists.

Parke County, IN
internet image

You will find other bridges around the county like the Wilkins - simple, plain, and still doing the job.

Dependability.  It is what you want from a bridge.

Wilkins Mill Covered Bridge Facts:
Built:  1906 by William Hendricks
Style: Burr Arch
Length:  102 feet over Sugar Mill Creek

See more of my covered bridge collection by following this link.