Although the oldest covered bridge in Iowa dates from 1866, it was
not until the 1995 Hollywood movie that the covered bridges of Madison
County really gained in popularity. Although the movie was fictitious,
the bridges are not. The romantic movie had been adapted from a book of
the same name that was a best seller in 1992.
Featuring some of
the bridges in the story was enough to help renew the interest for
many people. Although there were originally 19, all but 6 of the
bridges have disappeared into history. The 6 that remain are now under
the protection of the National Registry of Historical Places.
1. Cedar Covered Bridge
This is where the characters portrayed by Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood met to take photographs.
Originally built in 1883 by Benton Jones, it is a single span, 75 feet long and crosses Cedar Creek. It uses the Town lattice truss style with a, flat roof. It was moved to the current location in 1921. It was renovated in 1998, destroyed by arson in September of 2002, removed from the National Registry of Historical Places in October of 2002 and a replacement was built to the same specifications using authentic materials and techniques. It reopened during October, 2004
2. Imes Covered Bridge
Built in 18871, it is a single span, 81 feet long and originally crossed the Middle River. It uses the Town lattice truss style. It was moved in 1887 and again in 1977. It now crosses a ravine on the eastern side of St. Charles and is closed to vehicle traffic. It was renovated in 1997.
3. Roseman Covered Bridge
Located in Winterset, Iowa, it was built in 1883 by Benton Jones. It is a single span, 106 feet long and crosses Middle River. It uses the Town & Queen truss style with a flat roof. Built by Benton Jones, this bridge is currently closed to vehicle traffic. It was renovated in 1992 in preparation for use in the movie.
One of the stories associated with the bridge is of an inmate that escaped from jail in 1892. According to the story, he had been wrongfully accused and had escaped to prove his innocence. After a brief pursuit, he became trapped in the bridge. He uttered an unearthly cry then rose off the floor of the bridge up through the roof as if he were a ghost. The cry was assumed to have been uttered to show his frustration at being caught and as a sign of his innocence. He was never seen again. After this incident, it was decided that a person capable of such a miracle must have been innocent.
4. Holliwell Covered Bridge
Built in 1880 by Benton Jones, it is a single span, 122 feet long and crosses Middle River. It uses the Town lattice truss style, and has a flat roof with an arched entrance. Holliwell was also featured in the movie The Bridges of Madison County
1. Cedar Covered Bridge
This is where the characters portrayed by Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood met to take photographs.
Originally built in 1883 by Benton Jones, it is a single span, 75 feet long and crosses Cedar Creek. It uses the Town lattice truss style with a, flat roof. It was moved to the current location in 1921. It was renovated in 1998, destroyed by arson in September of 2002, removed from the National Registry of Historical Places in October of 2002 and a replacement was built to the same specifications using authentic materials and techniques. It reopened during October, 2004
2. Imes Covered Bridge
Built in 18871, it is a single span, 81 feet long and originally crossed the Middle River. It uses the Town lattice truss style. It was moved in 1887 and again in 1977. It now crosses a ravine on the eastern side of St. Charles and is closed to vehicle traffic. It was renovated in 1997.
3. Roseman Covered Bridge
Located in Winterset, Iowa, it was built in 1883 by Benton Jones. It is a single span, 106 feet long and crosses Middle River. It uses the Town & Queen truss style with a flat roof. Built by Benton Jones, this bridge is currently closed to vehicle traffic. It was renovated in 1992 in preparation for use in the movie.
One of the stories associated with the bridge is of an inmate that escaped from jail in 1892. According to the story, he had been wrongfully accused and had escaped to prove his innocence. After a brief pursuit, he became trapped in the bridge. He uttered an unearthly cry then rose off the floor of the bridge up through the roof as if he were a ghost. The cry was assumed to have been uttered to show his frustration at being caught and as a sign of his innocence. He was never seen again. After this incident, it was decided that a person capable of such a miracle must have been innocent.
4. Holliwell Covered Bridge
Built in 1880 by Benton Jones, it is a single span, 122 feet long and crosses Middle River. It uses the Town lattice truss style, and has a flat roof with an arched entrance. Holliwell was also featured in the movie The Bridges of Madison County
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