The Unique Laughery Creek Bridge In Dearborn County Is The Only One Of Its Kind In Indiana
By Tori Jane|Published January 27, 2022
×
Tori Jane
Author
Tori Jane is a storm chaser, writer, photographer, and the village idiot - in that order. When she's not out and about dancing with the meanest storms on planet Earth for funsies she can be found wandering, shooting landscapes, writing, editing photos, and otherwise up to no good. Legend has it that she can also be occasionally spotted typing up short bios in the third person, but those rumors are unsubstantiated.
Tucked away within Dearborn County in far southeastern Indiana is a one-of-a-kind historic bridge that evokes a sense of awe in anyone who comes to check it out. Originally built in 1878, this incredible triple whipple truss bridge is quite literally the only bridge of its kind in Indiana – and the only bridge of its kind known at all – and it’s been to and from the brink of demolition more than once. Check out the history of one of the Hoosier State’s most underappreciated historic sites:
Formally named Laughery Creek Bridge (as it's situated right over the creek of the same name), this fascinating testament to human engineering is more than 140 years old.
It was designed and built by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company which, at the time, was quite the prolific engineering firm.
It spans almost 300 feet in length - 298.8 feet, to be exact - and is composed of what's called a "single-span pin-connected triple intersection Whipple-through" truss.
In 1993, it earned a place on the Indiana's 10 Most Endangered Places List; it faced an uncertain future. Would the bridge be allowed to remain, or would it be destroyed? Fans of the bridge hoped for the best.
In 2009, what seemed like a small miracle occurred: the perfect combination of federal funding plus matching funds from Dearborn and Ohio counties came together to ensure the future of the ol' Triple-Whipple.
The bridge was refurbished and re-opened for pedestrian use shortly after. Today, it offers plentiful photography opportunities and some truly lovely views from over the river.
Laughery Creek Bridge is one of many bridges in the Hoosier State.
It is, however, just one of one "Triple Whipple" bridges not only in Indiana, but in the world. We think that's pretty special, and it's right here in our backyards.
Had you ever heard of – or gone out to admire – this fascinating, one-of-a-kind bridge in southeastern Indiana? What did you think? Do you have a favorite bridge in the Hoosier State? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section! For more of Indiana’s amazing bridges, particularly ones of the covered variety, you might be interested in this article.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
