List of covered bridges in Madison County, Iowa Facts for Kids

Madison County, Iowa, is famous for its beautiful covered bridges. These special bridges are like tunnels made of wood, and they have roofs and walls to protect the bridge structure inside. Imagine a cozy wooden tunnel over a river – that's a covered bridge!

There are six of these historic bridges still standing in Madison County today. They are not just old bridges; they are important parts of history and popular places to visit. People from all over the world come to see them.

What are Covered Bridges?
- Why Were Bridges Covered?
- How Were They Built?
Famous Bridges of Madison County
Gallery
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What are Covered Bridges?

Covered bridges are bridges with sides and a roof. They look a bit like barns stretched out over a river. Most of them were built in the 1800s.

Why Were Bridges Covered?

The main reason to cover a bridge was to protect its wooden parts from bad weather. Rain, snow, and sun can make wood rot or warp quickly. By adding a roof and walls, the builders made the bridges last much longer. It was cheaper to build a roof than to constantly repair or rebuild the bridge itself.

How Were They Built?

These bridges were usually built using strong wooden frames called trusses. These trusses helped the bridge support a lot of weight. The roof and sides were then added to keep the trusses safe from the elements.

Famous Bridges of Madison County

Madison County is home to six amazing covered bridges. Each one has its own story and charm. They remind us of a time when travel was very different.

Cedar Covered Bridge

The Cedar Covered Bridge is a very well-known bridge. It was first built in 1883. It was moved from its original spot in 1921. Sadly, the original bridge was damaged by fire in 2002 and again in 2017. But it has been rebuilt to look just like the original, keeping its history alive.

Cutler–Donahoe Bridge

The Cutler–Donahoe Bridge was built in 1870. It is one of the smaller covered bridges in the county. This bridge was moved to a park in 1970 to keep it safe. It's a great example of how these old structures can be preserved.

Hogback Covered Bridge

The Hogback Covered Bridge was built in 1884. It is still in its original location, crossing the North River. This bridge is very popular because it looks just like it did when it was first built. It gives you a real feeling of stepping back in time.

Holliwell Covered Bridge

The Holliwell Covered Bridge is the longest of the six bridges. It was built in 1880 and crosses the Middle River. This bridge is known for being very strong and well-preserved. It's a favorite spot for photographers.

Imes Bridge

The Imes Bridge is the oldest covered bridge in Madison County. It was built in 1870. This bridge was also moved from its original spot in 1977 to save it. It now crosses a small creek and is a beautiful example of early bridge building.

Roseman Covered Bridge

The Roseman Covered Bridge was built in 1883. It is also still in its original location, crossing the Middle River. This bridge is famous for its unique look and the stories connected to it. It's a very popular spot for visitors.