Bridges of Indiana's Counties - Vermillion Co - #85 Eugene

Eugene Covered Bridge crosses the Vermilion River.
10/29/2011 dwm photo

The Eugene Covered Bridge was closed to traffic in 1974, its 101st year.

It was rehabbed in 1983 and still looks good.

The bridge is named for the township where it is located, but I couldn't learn more about the Eugene whose name lives on all these years later.

My dad's older brother was named Eugene, but I'm pretty sure Uncle Gene didn't get a bridge or township named for him.  He would of loved it, though, I'm sure.

Vermillion County borders Parke County, where J.J. Daniels built quite a few bridges.  The Eugene is another one his crew constructed.

Late autumn is a great time to see
bridges.  10/29/11 (dwm)

Vermillion County, Indiana also borders Vermilion County, Illinois.  The Illinois folks used an American spelling, while the Hoosiers used the French/Commonwealth English way to spell it.  The river, which flows out of Illinois, uses their spelling.

Next to the bridge is the Covered Bridge Restaurant which is built out of an old gas station.  We didn't stop the day we took the photos, but wish I did.  It was unusual in Indiana to find restaurants or stores with bridge merchandise.  Bridges in Parke and Putnam counties are the exception.

Eugene stands near a corn field.
10/29/2011 dwm photo

The river was low at our visit.  The river bank is steep, but with care you can get to the water where some of the best views of the bridge are found.

Another angle I like is the shot from a distance as the bridge comes into view.  It makes me think of those traveling on horseback getting their bearing as a man-made landmark appears.

Vermillion County, IN
internet image

Eugene Covered Bridge facts

Built: 1873 according to bridgehunter.com by J.J. Daniels

Style: Burr Arch

Length: 192 feet in one span over the Vermilion River.

There are 84 other Indiana bridges to check out, follow the link to see them.