Wooden covered bridges are truly artifacts from another time. These bridges were important because they could last for almost a century while an uncovered wooden bridge usually only lasts about twenty years. Popular and efficient bridges for many years, they became obsolete in the late 19th century because the Second Industrial Revolution made metal structures significantly less expensive to build. A beautiful example of an early covered bridge is Mary’s Covered Bridge in Chester, IL.
The 90-foot bridge is built of hand-hewn native white oak on stone piers in the Burr Truss (or King Post arch) style. The roadway across the bridge was a planked road made by cross laying 8 foot long planks across stringers flush with the ground. The road was operated from 1854-1872 as a toll road to allow farmers to bring corn, wheat, and lumber to Chester, a significant port on the Mississippi River.
The bridge continued in use until 1930. In 1936, it was acquired by the State of Illinois and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. It has been meticulously refurbished so that it keeps its original charm, but is safe from river flooding. Visitors can still enjoy the expert craftsmanship as it is open for foot traffic.
Turkey Bluffs State Fish and Wildlife Area, South Lake Drive, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 2.65 mi (straight line)
217 Opdyke Street, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 3.99 mi (straight line)
Spinach Can Collectibles, State Street, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 4.01 mi (straight line)
822 Swanwick St, Chester, IL 62233, USA
Distance: 4.13 mi (straight line)
Frederick Weistar House Historic Site, Chestnut Street, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 4.59 mi (straight line)
Randolph County IL Courthouse, West Taylor Street, Chester, Illinois, USA
Distance: 4.60 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers
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Cohen Memorial Home, Harrison Street, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 4.65 mi (straight line)
St. Nicholas Landmark, Ferry Street, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 4.76 mi (straight line)
Segar Memorial Park
Distance: 4.77 mi (straight line)
General History Outdoor Experiences
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Chester Welcome Center, 10 Bridge Bypass Rd, Chester, IL 62233, USA
Distance: 4.78 mi (straight line)
Chester Welcome Center, Bridge Bypass Road, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 4.78 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers
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Chester Welcome Center, Bridge Bypass Road, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 4.78 mi (straight line)
174 MO-51, Perryville, MO 63775, USA
Distance: 5.55 mi (straight line)
Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site, Kaskaskia Street, Ellis Grove, IL, USA
Distance: 7.71 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers
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4372 Park Rd, Ellis Grove, IL 62241, USA
Distance: 7.94 mi (straight line)
General History Guided Tours Outdoor Experiences Tribal Experiences Viewpoints Walks and Hikes Museums and Interpretive Centers LC Features Forts RV and Camping
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Piney Creek Ravine Nature Preserve, Piney Creek Road, Ava, IL, USA
Distance: 8.01 mi (straight line)
Outdoor Experiences Tribal Experiences
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Kaskaskia Bell State Historic Site (Liberty Bell of the West), 1st Street, Chester, IL, USA
Distance: 8.32 mi (straight line)
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