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Shieldstown Covered Bridge
"Triple Spans reach 331 ft."
The Sheildstown Covered Bridge spans the West Fork of the White River, south of Indianapolis. This branch of the White River has numerous covered bridges at one time, as it's a major impediment to road travel.
"Roof Framing"
Open framing of the trusses and rafters allows us to inspect the workmanship of the men (because in the 1880's women weren't allowed to do this type of work), who built the bridge. The skills to maintain these structures are being learned by a new generation of craftsmen (men & women).
"Two Burr Arches"
The Burr arch is a King's Post Truss with the arch overlayed to provide additional strength. This design allowed the truss to span greater distances, thus reducing the number of spans needed for wide crossings.
The burr arch is visible from the exterior as the arch extends below the floor line of the bridge onto the piers.
"Information Plaque"
"SHIELDSTOWN BRIDGE
Built in 1876 by J.J. Daniels
Burr Arch
Length 331ft.+12ft. overhang/ends.
Width 16ft. height 12ft.6in.
Cut stone abutments and pier
.
Jackson Co. Park & Receartion Board"
.
"Length 100m+3.5m overhang/ends.
Width 4.9m height 3.8m"
"Out of Service"
Like many the Shieldstown cb has been replaced by a modern bridge. But this relic of the past has been preserved for future generations.
"Getting There"
The Shieldstown CB is located off the main roads. You'll pass through the smallest and least changed communities in Indiana visiting this location. One of the unique features of this bridge is the location of the railroad tracks almost just before you enter the bridge. This was once a local station, where the train met the roadway, allowing people from both sides of the river to access the railroad.
