STEAM CORNER — The state’s oldest covered bridge is in the running to become a national landmark.
Cades Mill bridge was recently nominated by the Fountain County Historical Committee for the National Register of Historic Places. Some 50 other covered bridges in Indiana have received the designation.
The 166-year-old Howe Truss, which spans Coal Creek west of Steam Corner, has been waiting for major structural repairs. Last fall, the committee raised more than $20,000 in private donations to temporarily stabilize the bridge. A national register listing could help bring wider attention to the project.
“Once that goes through, that opens us up for state money,” said committee member Carol Freese, who is leading the fundraising efforts.
A final decision isn’t expected until the summer. Properties on the national register may be eligible for tax credits.
The bridge was at risk of collapsing into the creek when the project began after Labor Day.
Letters were sent to area residents seeking money and the committee reached out to Dan Collom, a Parke County man who has built and repaired other covered bridges.
Just before Christmas, Collom installed a support beam to temporarily hold the structure in place.
“It really needed it. I think he was surprised as we all were in the three months of making initial contact with him that it had dropped so much more,” Freese said. “So, I think we saved it just in time.”
The project is expected to cost at least $150,000. The committee will seek grants and appeal to businesses and larger entities for donations.
Wallace’s covered bridge is next on the list for rehabilitation. The bridge is structurally sound, so work is not expected to begin for at least a year, Freese said.
