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| The rebuilt Wolf Covered Bridge. 4/20/2019 dwm photo |
That's when I experienced something that's never happened before.
As I was wrapping up taking pictures and walking back to the car, a black pickup truck pulled to a stop next to ours.
The driver told that the land across the river belonged to his family and I could get some unobstructed views of the bridge from there if I was interested.
Of course, I was. I headed across the field to the trees where it sloped toward the water. I found an area where rains washed away dirt so it was easier to get down to the bank.
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| The Spoon River curves under the Wolf Bridge. 4/20/2019 dwm photo |
The State of Illinois awarded money for the bridge in 1831, but it was 1848 before Jacob Wolf put it up. It was 1874 before walls and a roof were added.
According to a local history, the walls made it easier to drive cattle across and added years to the bridge's lifespan. Other sources I've read said animals weren't that bothered by crossing a bridge.
The original spanned the river bottom, more than 230 feet. In 1994 it was destroyed by fire.
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| On the bank, looking upstream at the Wolf Bridge. 3/20/19 (dwm) |
The bridge crosses the river, with arched approaches on either end.
It's beautiful.
So was the farm next to it. Cattle were grazing in the field. I heard, then saw, a small Garter Snake scrambling through the leaves.
A memorable visit to a new old covered bridge.
Wolf Covered Bridge
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| The farm field I was permitted to cross 4/20/2019 dwm photo |
Style: Original was Bedstead Truss, rebuilt as Howe Through Truss
Length: 104 feet over Spoon River
You can see more of my covered bridges by clicking the link.
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