Putnam County Bridges and Indiana National Road

1891 bridge across Deer Creek on County Road 25 East

Last night, October 18, 2018, the Indiana National Road Association held our yearly business meeting and social dinner.

 

from left: Rene, Scott, and new friend Barry

I had an opportunity to catch up with my friends Scott and Rene Booker of Indianapolis. Scott is working on a book about US Route 40 as it travels through Indiana. I am looking forward to reading it as he has shared a couple of stories that will appear in the book. Quite humorous! One story has something to do with Fifi’s Lunch Box (a restaurant in Terre Haute) and a train conductor. But I’ll let Scott deliver that story with his gift for amusing intrigue in his book.

    One of the bits of information I learned last night was that there is this bridge in Putnam Count which crosses Deer Creek which I just had to see for myself. Indiana Landmarks describes it:

 “When the Indiana State High Commission made the decision in the early 1920s to construct a modern concrete bridge, the Putnam County Commissioners had the 1891 metal span disassembled and relocated upstream to become a crossing for County Road 25 East over Deer Creek. Waste not, want not!”

   

   As I love discovery of an obscure moment of history, I had to seek out that 1891 bridge. I must say; it is well hidden away and hard to find. It took me quite a while. So, I will deliver what I think are some informative details. The 1891 bridge does in fact rest across Deer Creek on County Road 25 East. You gain access to that one-lane, in the woods, road from the north side of US 40 as you travel west-bound approaching the lovely town of Putnamville. Notice a structure which looks as though it had at one time been a motel, County Road 25 East is just a brief moment to the west of that building. Turn right. You will arrive at a stop sign, please stop. And then continue on, very soon you will see the 1891 bridge in all of its rusting humility! I felt a connection to history!

   This 1891 bridge had been removed from its original location, just around the corner on County Road 550s. At the intersection of County Roads 25 East and 550s, looking west, you will see the 1923 cement bridge resting on what was the original National Road. Again, I felt a sense of presence with historic figures. 

1923 cement bridge

   Please note, if you visit these bridges, there are “No Trespassing Private Property” signs posted. Please respect those as well.

I invite you to visit the website for the Indiana National Road Association and consider becoming a member,

You can find out more about the Association at: http://www.indiananationalroad.org/

You are also invited to learn about our companion organization Indiana Landmarks at:

https://www.indianalandmarks.org/2016/07/deer-creek-historic-national-road/