Cades Mill Covered Bridge
West Cades Hollow Road, approx. 4.5 miles southwest of Veedersburg
Span Attention
Built in 1854, Fountain County’s Cades Mill Covered Bridge holds status as the state’s oldest covered bridge still in its original location, but it’s a distinction in peril. In 2019, a covered bridge contractor hired to assess the bridge discovered a broken chord, a serious structural compromise that unless repaired could cause the 150-foot bridge to collapse.
Built to help Fountain County’s early settlers travel to a mill at Coal Creek, the span is one of three historic covered bridges remaining in Fountain County. It’s only seen use as a pedestrian bridge for decades, bypassed after construction of a newer concrete bridge in 1976. Deferred maintenance in the intervening years hastened the historic bridge’s decline.
Over 600 covered bridges were built in Indiana between 1820 and 1922, a number that today has dwindled to 90, according to the Indiana Covered Bridge Society. Along with providing a picturesque tie to local heritage and serving as tourist attractions, restored covered bridges have become popular destinations for parties, weddings, and photos.
The Fountain County Art Council Historical Committee has been raising money for complete rehabilitation. Repairs are estimated at over $800,000, and ongoing pandemic-related labor and materials shortages are expected to increase the price tag. In an area with limited resources, finding money to rehabilitate Cades Mill Covered Bridge is a daunting challenge.
Tommy Kleckner
Director
Indiana Landmarks Western Regional Office
812-232-4534
tkleckner@indianalandmarks.org
Carol Freese
Fountain County Art Council
765-299-3346
houselions@att.net
Saving threatened buildings takes teamwork. You can be a part of that team. Reach out to local leaders. Let them know these buildings are important to you. And support state and local preservation groups.