Beeson Covered Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beeson Covered Bridge |
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Beeson Covered Bridge in Billie Creek Village
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| Coordinates | 39°45′47.68″N 87°12′23.18″W / 39.7632444°N 87.2064389°W |
| Carries | Pedestrian traffic (Not open to vehicular traffic) |
| Crosses | William's Creek |
| Locale | Rockville, Adams Township, Parke County, Indiana |
| Official name | Beeson Bridge |
| Named for | The Beeson Family |
| WGCB # | 14-61-24 |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Burr arch truss bridge |
| Material | Concrete (foundations) |
| Trough construction | Wood |
| Total length | 55 ft (16.8 m) |
| Width | 16 ft (4.9 m) |
| Number of spans | 1 |
| Clearance above | 12.5 ft (3.8 m) |
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Beeson Covered Bridge (#38)
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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| Built | 1906 |
| Built by | Frankfort Construction Company |
| Part of | Parke County Covered Bridges TR (ID64000193) |
| NRHP reference No. | 78003447 |
| Added to NRHP | December 22, 1978 |
The Beeson Covered Bridge is a historic wooden bridge. It was first built over Roaring Creek near Marshall, Indiana. In December 1979, the bridge was moved to its current spot in Billie Creek Village. Today, it is a popular landmark for visitors.
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Building the Bridge
The Beeson Covered Bridge was built in 1906. The Frankfort Construction Company created this single-span Burr Arch covered bridge. It is 55 feet (16.8 m) long and 16 feet (4.9 m) wide. The bridge has a clearance of 12 feet 6 inches (3.8 m).
When it was first built, the bridge rested on strong concrete foundations. It was placed on new concrete foundations when it moved. However, after a big flood in 1989, the bridge was rebuilt. It was then set on special wood treated with creosote.
Bridge History and Relocation
Many bridges in Parke County are named after nearby towns or rivers. However, there was already a bridge called the Marshall Covered Bridge. So, this bridge was named after the Beeson family who lived nearby. William H. Beeson, born in 1879, owned land close to the bridge. The bridge originally crossed Roaring Creek on what is now County Road 200N.
Bridge Closure and Community Concerns
In 1969, the Beeson Covered Bridge was closed. Its supports, called abutments, were no longer safe. Then, in March 1979, a concrete bridge nearby also fell apart. These closures made it very hard for people to reach Marshall. It also affected access to Turkey Run High School and Turkey Run State Park.
Because of these problems, a group called the Roaring Creek Citizens Association (RCCA) was formed. They wanted to find a solution for the community.
Fires at the Bridge
On August 9, 1979, a fire was reported at the Beeson Bridge. This happened shortly after the RCCA had a meeting. Firefighters from Marshall and Bloomingdale worked together to put out the flames. Investigators believed the fire was set on purpose, as they found signs of fuel. The Parke County Sheriff's Department, Indiana State Police Department, and the Indiana State Fire Marshal all investigated the incident.
Less than a week later, on August 15, 1979, another fire started just after midnight. A neighbor saw someone at the bridge and heard a car leave. Soon after, they saw flames and called the Fire Department. The Marshall Fire Department quickly put out the fire, which was burning on the bridge floor.
Moving the Bridge
On December 4, 1979, the Buchta Trucking Company began moving the bridge. They carefully removed the roof and sides first. Then, they transported the main part of the bridge. It was moved to its new home over Williams Creek in Billie Creek Village, Rockville.
Images for kids
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Beeson Covered Bridge at Billie Creek Village
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