By Shawn M. Rogers
J.J. Daniels is considered one of the greatest bridge builders in Indiana history. He was responsible for constructing 27 covered bridges within the Hoosier State between 1851 and 1904. Over a dozen of these durable and dependable structures still span creeks, ravines and rivers throughout the Wabash Valley.
In 1864, Daniels built his largest covered bridge across the Wabash River in Terre Haute, at the foot of Wabash Avenue. This unique bridge featured six spans, two lanes, a draw bridge, and was nearly 900 feet in length. The drawbridge span allowed for the passage of steamboat traffic up and down the Wabash.
The Terre Haute Wagon Bridge opened in January 1865 and was initially operated as a toll bridge by the Terre Haute Drawbridge Co. until Vigo County purchased it for $80,000 on March 9, 1874. It dutifully served its purpose for nearly 40 years. In 1904, the outmoded wooden bridge was demolished to make way for a larger steel bridge that was completed in 1905. The 1905 bridge was replaced by the Paul Dresser and Theodore Dreiser Memorial bridges in 1992.
This week’s Historic Treasure is a 1904 photograph of the Terre Haute Wagon Bridge. This image was produced just days before the old covered bridge was demolished.
