Roann Covered Bridge | NRHP - National Register of Historic Places, 1872_construction

 NRHP - National Register of Historic Places, covered bridge, 1872_construction

Restored - August 2004

When arsonists tried twice to burn down the Roann Covered Bridge in Wabash County, they did more than damage wood and stone. And they did more than endanger a rare and valuable piece of architectural and local history, one of just a handful of covered bridges in the northern half of the state. They attacked the very identity of the bridge’s small rural community.

Roann’s population of 500 proved the importance of the landmark in their lives. Townspeople attended chili suppers and softball tournaments, bought cookbooks and baked goods, filled recycling bins. They formed the Roann Covered Bridge Association and made appeals to schoolchildren as well as to state and federal government. County commissioners contributed the money they would have spent demolishing the 288-foot two-span bridge plus $35,000. Historic Landmarks gave free technical advice. Former residents from as far away as California sent checks.

The association corralled $300,000 and in 21 months the Roann Covered Bridge stood intact once more, its red color contrasting with the leafy green trees lining the Eel River banks, just as it had since 1877 – only now it has a sprinkler system.

Actually, there have been 4 covered bridges built on this site where County Road 700 West crosses the Eel River. The first Roann Covered Bridge, built in 1841 and lost about 1845; the second structure, built in 1845 and lost in 1858; the third Roann Covered Bridge, built in about 1858 and lost in 1871.

The current Roann Covered Bridge is a double span Howe Truss structure with a length of 288 feet, or 312 feet including the 12-foot overhang at each end, is 16 feet wide and 18 feet high. Built in 1872 by the Smith Bridge Company, the main road bypassed this structure, however, it is still open to traffic. Though no historical marker is present, the current Roann Covered Bridge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.