Dapper Travel: Cumberland Covered Bridge in Matthews, Indiana

When The Mister and I made the trip to Fairmount, Indiana to check out a farmhouse we were considering buying, we came across this old covered bridge in nearby Matthews, Indiana. Now, I'm no stranger to covered bridges. Back in my youth, when my family was living in southern Indiana, there were a couple of old covered bridges still standing. Even at the age of seven, I was fascinated by the old wooden bridges. That was about 30 years ago and I haven't crossed a covered bridge since. 

The Cumberland Covered Bridge is not only a sight to see, it also has a storied history. This Howe Truss bridge was built in 1877 by William Parks of Marion, Indiana. In 1913, the bridge was carried downstream by a flood. Undeterred, the townspeople rallied to bring the bridge back to its original location on rollers dragged by horses. It was also raised an additional 33 feet at that time. When the area flooded again in the 1950's, it only loosened a few floorboards. 

There's something slightly frightening about driving across an old wooden bridge in a multi-ton automobile. It doesn't seem possible that a bridge made of wood can hold a modern car, but of course it does. It helps that the bridge was completely rehabbed in 1999. 

If you're interested in seeing the Cumberland Covered Bridge for yourself, now is a good time. The annual Cumberland Covered Bridge Festival takes place September 6 - 8, 2013 in Matthews, Indiana. 

Images: Jason Loper