The Bridges of Union County

Covered bridges, like Union County itself, have a long and exciting history. Once serving as important transporation links, many of America's covered bridges have long since fallen victim to vandalism, floods, fires, and old age. Fortunately, Union County officials long ago recognized the significance of the county's four covered bridges. Not only were steps made to secure the historic covered bridges for the enjoyment of future generations, but officials also pledged to continue constructing new covered bridges. As a result, Union County is extremely proud to boast six covered bridges!

Today, one may be surprised to find covered bridges along major state and county highways, especially in a county on the edge of the nation's seventh largest city (Columbus). Nonetheless, Union County's covered bridges harken to simpler days gone by. They serve not only as bridges across creeks and rivers, but also bridges across time. If your journey takes you through Union County, it is our sincerest hope that you take a bit of time to experience history.

History of the Bridges

Four of the covered bridges in Union County were designed and built by Ruben L. Patridge, and are based on a design patented by him in 1872. Mr. Patridge lived in Marysville from 1836 until his death, which was the result of a fall from a bridge he was building north of Marysville. The Union County bridges, and one in adjoining Franklin County, are the only remaining bridges built from Mr. Patridge’s patent design.

Today, visitors may notice that the Union County historic covered bridges all have “windows” cut into the sides of the bridges. This is not in the original design, but was done to increase visibility with the advent of automobile traffic. These windows have roofs or awnings to protect the trusses from the elements.

There were six covered bridges in the county until August of 1993. Ironically, while a reporter/photographer from The Columbus Dispatch newspaper was researching a story on the preservation of the Reed Bridge (State Route 38), the bridge collapsed as the reporter and Union County Historical Society members were walking away. The picture was in the newspaper and made everyone aware of the attention that must be given to our historic structures. Thankfully, the loss of the Reed Bridge has saved many others.

In the spring of 2007, Union County officials dedicated two new covered bridges, bringing the total to six covered bridges in the county, the seventh highest with the number of covered bridges.

Our Beautiful Bridges

Bigelow Bridge, also known as Axe Handle Road Bridge

This covered bridge was named in honor of Eliphas Bigelow, who was a nearby resident. The bridge was built in 1873 by Reuben Partridge and spans 114’. The bridge has undergone extensive renovation.

Culbertson Bridge also known as Winget Road Bridge

This 100’ bridge spans Treacle Creek and was built in 1868 by Reuben Partridge. There are canopies on both sides of the bridge and scrolls located at each end. The bridge was originally on USR 36, two miles from Milford Center. The community once located just south of this span was known as Howe. When the forerunner of the New York Central Railroad put a line through here, the local station was called Irwin. With the growth of a town around Irwin, Howe practically disappeared while in 1840, the nearby village of homer was a flourishing community. It had a store, sawmill, furniture factory, blacksmith shop, woolen and carding mill and a spinning jenny. Homer was also well known for the manufacturing of fine buggies. This bridge, located on a dead-end road features a small “run-around” which can be used except during flooding periods.

Pottersburg Bridge

This bridge formerly in the location of the North Lewisburg Road Covered Bridge was designed and built by Reuben Partridge in 1868. The full length canopy was added in 1937. In 2006 the 105’ Partridge truss bridge was moved and rehabilitated. This historic bridge now rests on a multi-use trail which begins in the Village of North Lewisburg and ends at the bridge on the Union/Champaign County line near Inskeep-Cratty Road.

North Lewisburg Road Bridge

The North Lewisburg Road Covered Bridge spans the Big Darby Creek and was constructed in 2006 by the Righter Company. This new covered bridge spans 130 feet of the Big Darby Creek Scenic River. The bridge is designed to carry two lanes of traffic and meets modern day design standards. A beautiful vista of the Big Darby Creek can be enjoyed from the bridge or the pull off area just west of the bridge.

The Spain Creek Covered Bridge, also known as Inskeep-Cratty Road Bridge

This pretty little covered bridge spans 105’ over Spain Creek. The bridge was designed and built by Reuben Partridge in the 1870’s. Beltz Grist Mill on Big Darby Creek was one of the earliest built in this township. Farther downstream, the Wetaeo Mill was built in 1848, and Hanes Finley set up a steam power saw on the Milford-Allen Center Pike. Spain Creek currently achieves criteria associated with the Exceptional Warm water Habitat and Coldwater Habitat use designations by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

Buck Run Road Bridge

This new covered bridge was built over the Big Darby Creek in 2006 by the Righter Company and spans an impressive 160’. This new two-lane covered bridge was built to stand proudly for generations. Enjoy scenic views of the Big Darby Creek from the bridge. Currently, this is the largest single wooden span bridge in Ohio.

Streng Road Truss Bridge

This steel Pratt Truss Bridge was built in 1914 and is presumed to have replaced a bridge that was destroyed in the flood of 1913. Union County received special recognition for the renovation of this 200’steel Pratt Bridge in 1993. The bridge is officially listed as an Ohio Historic Bridge. This is the only non-covered bridge with this recognition in the county.

Please click here for the Covered Bridge Tour Map!