Members of the Dorothy Q Chapter of the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution are doing their part to help save a historic bridge in Fountain County.
Earlier this week, Indiana Landmarks announced its annual list of the 10 Most Endangered Hoosier landmarks. On that list is the Cades Mill Covered Bridge south of Veedersburg.
On the same day the list was announced members of the Dorothy Q Chapter and the Fountain County Art Council Historic Preservation Committee gathered at the bridge to celebrate the awarding of a $10,000 historic preservation grant. The Dorothy Q Chapter sponsored the project through the NSDAR in Washington, D.C., and it was the only maximum amount award given in the state of Indiana.
Built in 1854, the Cades Mill Covered Bridge is the oldest covered bridge still on its original site. Years of neglect and inclement weather have taken its toll. It’s only seen use as a pedestrian bridge for decades, bypassed after construction of a newer concrete bridge in 1976. In 2019, an inspector discovered a broken chord, a serious structural compromise that unless repaired could cause the 150-foot bridge to collapse.
The grant money awarded by the Dorothy Q Chapter will be used to provide cabling to further stabilize the structure.
The Fountain County Art Council Historic Preservation Committee is spearheading the overall preservation project. It is projected to cost $800,000. The committee has had several fundraisers and is still seeking financial assistance.
“We’ve had an amazing amount of support from Fountain County and surrounding counties,” said Carol Freese, Fountain County Art Council Historic Preservation Committee member, earlier this year. “Our efforts as well as the grants we’ve received to date have been very encouraging. It all adds up.”
This bridge was instrumental in the development of the western territory and was on the main road from Crawfordsville to the western part of Indiana. It was necessary for early settlers, pioneers and farmers to cross Coal Creek at this point.
Fountain County has two other remaining covered bridges at Rob Roy and Wallace. All three have been named to the National Register of Historic Places, which helps secure their futures. The designations open the door for more grants and fundraising opportunities.
Those interested in providing financial assistance to preserve this historic bridge are asked to send donations through Western Indiana Community Foundation, Covered Bridge Fund, P.O. Box 75, Covington, IN 47932.
The National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women’s service organization. DAR is a lineage-based membership for women who had an ancestor (Revolutionary War) who helped contribute to securing the independence of the United States. DAR members are dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education and patriotism in communities across the nation. If interested in becoming a DAR member, contact Dorothy Q Chapter Registrar, Ericia Church at ericiachurch21@gmail.com or Chapter Regent Michele Borden at mlborden@mymetronet.net.
